ELIZABETH “Ellie” Sims was reportedly using the crosswalk at a busy intersection near FSU’s campus when the horrific crash occurred.
Tallahassee investigators worked quickly to locate and identify the driver of the crash, 18-year-old Willis Trueblood Jr., who told police he “panicked” after hitting Sims, causing him to drive away from the scene.
Who was FSU student Ellie Sims?
Elizabeth “Ellie” Sims was a 20-year-old college student.
Originally from Franklin, Tennessee, Sims had both a brother and sister.
She lived in Tallahassee, Florida, where she was a sophomore at Florida State University.
At FSU, Sims was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
According to her sorority sisters, Sims was “involved with FSU Honors College, FSU CHAW, an avid runner, an entrepreneurship student, and a fashionista.”
Based on her Instagram, Sims enjoyed traveling, hanging out with her friends, and spending time at the beach.
She also called herself an “astrologist and psychic” in her social media bio.
Sims often posted snaps of her going out on the town, and most recently shared a photo of her posing next to her mom.
Friends and family recalled Sims as a happy college student with a “positive presence” and an “infectious smile.”
What happened to Ellie Sims?
On Monday, April 29, 2024, Ellie Sims was hit by a car while walking near West Pensacola Street.
The fatal hit-and-run occurred at around 6:40 pm, near the intersection of Lorene and Pensacola Street.
FSU students describe the intersection as “always being busy,” according to WCTV.
Sims was using the crosswalk when she was fatally hit.
Witnesses recalled that several passersby immediately attempted to provide “life-saving aid,” but Sims succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the crash.
“The multiple conversations we would have were just playing in my head all the time,” Sims’ friend, who didn’t want her identity made public, said.
“They are full of love, [and] laughter,” she said, adding: “I could listen to her talk for hours and I wish I still could.
“She’s always smiling. She was the most outgoing and beautiful individual I’ve ever met.”
Richard McCullough, the President of Florida State University, also released a statement on behalf of the FSU community.
“We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking loss of one of our students, Elizabeth “Ellie” Sims, who was killed Monday when she was struck by a vehicle near campus.”
“Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
“Counseling services are available to anyone in the Florida State University family who would like support as we navigate this tragedy together.”
“I encourage anyone struggling with this loss to reach out for assistance,” he added.
Sims’ friends and family have set up two ways to honor her life and legacy.
Her sorority sisters created the Ellie Sims Memorial Fund, while Johannah Paiva organized a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses for Sims’ family.
As of May 1, 2024, the GoFundMe had raised over $54,000 from over 1,0000 donations, surpassing its original $50,000 goal.
Where is Willis Trueblood Jr. now?
Less than two hours after the hit-and-run occurred, both the vehicle and the driver were found.
The damaged vehicle was located nearby at the intersection of Liberty and Holton Streets.
According to court records, the vehicle that allegedly caused the hit-and-run “had damage to its hood and windshield consistent with the crash, as well as what appeared to be blood and hair in the windshield.”
On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 18-year-old Willis Trueblood Jr. was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
The fatal hit-and-run “is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years’ imprisonment,” according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
Trueblood Jr. reportedly told Tallahassee Police Department investigators that he began “panicking” after he hit Sims, which caused him to drive away from the scene.
He claims that the sun was glaring in his eyes, and he was driving with his visor down when the crash occurred.
He also told police that after the crash, he drove to a friend’s house and called one of his parents.
“I didn’t even see her coming. I didn’t know what to do, so I just left,” Trueblood Jr. said, according to court records.
“I hit somebody and I just messed up,” he added.
Trueblood Jr. reportedly entered a written, conditional plea of not guilty.
Trueblood Jr. was booked at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, but it is unclear whether he is currently in jail or if he managed to post bond.