BY GWEN HAYES 

Sentinel Editor

A 40-year-old woman, who her family described as full of life, died in a single-car accident early Sunday morning.

According to an aunt, Ms. Vanderlyn Davis, Ms. Sophia Hamilton McCoggle, had been with family and friends as they celebrated her father’s birthday at a local eatery. She is the only daughter of Melvin Hamilton, whose birthday was May 3rd. Ms. McCoggle had left the event to take some of those attending home.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Ms. McCoggle was traveling southbound on the exit ramp from southbound I-75 leading to State Road 574 (Martin Luther King Blvd.) around 2:43 a. m. For some unknown reason, the Ms. McCoggle failed to negotiate the curve; her 2006 Hyundai Sonata left the roadway and slammed into a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt. The accident is still under investigation.

Ms. McCoggle is also described as one of the best hairstylists in the Tampa Bay area. She had been a cosmetologist for several years.

The mother of 2 adult sons, Ms. McCoggle, a Tampa native, was the daughter of Ms. Carol Owens and granddaughter of Ms. Mamie Owens. She also had 2 brothers and a sister.

“She was well-loved and respected by her family and the host of friends she had developed over the years in her form of business. She was one of 6 cousins, all females, who were as close as sisters; some of whom lived out of town; they’re all having a difficult time dealing with her death,” Ms. Davis explained.

As we go to press, funeral services are pending, however the family is looking to make arrangements for Saturday, May 11, 2013. Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.