Richard Laurence Wilson, Cynthia Jean Wilson Obituary, Death – A tragic crash in Ruskin on Sunday evening claimed the lives of four people, but according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), reckless driving is not believed to be the cause of the accident. The deadly incident took place at approximately 8:15 p.m. near the intersection of Shell Point Road West and 32nd Street Northwest.
Security footage from homes in the area captured the car speeding through the intersection, crossing a yard, colliding with a tree and a nearby house, before overturning and coming to a stop. Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, authorities clarified on Tuesday that there was no indication the driver was engaging in reckless behavior at the time.
The victims involved in the accident have been identified by the sheriff’s office. The driver was Richard Laurence Wilson, 53, who was accompanied by his wife, Cynthia Jean Wilson, 52, and her two adult children, Shannon Jade Janus, 20, and James Edward Janus, 19. All four tragically lost their lives in the collision.
Local residents expressed their frustration in the aftermath of the crash, emphasizing a long-standing concern about speeding and safety in the neighborhood. Julie Coleman, a neighbor whose home was severely damaged during the crash, shared her feelings with 8 On Your Side reporters. She explained that residents have repeatedly requested the county install safety measures such as stop signs to prevent such tragedies.
“There’s been deaths,” Coleman stated. “Four people have died, and all we need was some stop signs.”
The crash caused extensive damage to Coleman’s house, which was already under renovation after last year’s hurricanes. The impact rendered the home unlivable, forcing her and her husband to seek alternative housing as they face the aftermath of both the natural disasters and this fatal accident.
The incident has sparked conversations within the community about the importance of traffic safety measures in residential areas, with many neighbors urging local officials to take action to prevent future accidents. While the investigation continues, the sheriff’s office has emphasized their commitment to understanding the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event.
Authorities have not ruled out any factors that could have contributed to the crash and are still examining the details. The community, meanwhile, mourns the loss of the Wilson family and the Janus siblings, while hoping their tragedy will lead to improved safety measures that protect other residents.
As the investigation proceeds, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to the crash to come forward to aid in their efforts to fully understand the situation. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragile nature of life and the critical importance of roadway safety, especially in residential neighborhoods where families live and children play.