On Thursday evening, shortly after 8 p.m., a Tampa teenager died after being struck by a pickup truck. The truck was driven by 31-year-old Cornelius Williams, of Seffner.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred on U. S. Highway 301 near Bloomingdale Avenue. Police said 14-year-old Morris Taylor, Jr., and Elijah Anderson, Jr., 15, were riding their bicycles single file on U. S. 301.
Morris reportedly crossed into the path of the 2008 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Williams. Morris was thrown from the bicycle and died at the scene. Williams received minor injuries.
Anderson left the scene after the accident, but returned a short time later with a parent. He also received minor injuries in the accident.
The accident report stated that neither of the bicycles was equipped with lighting required by law. It also stated that boy teenagers were wearing dark clothing at the time of the accident.
No charges have been filed against Williams. However, the accident remains under investigation.
A native of Tampa, Morris was the son of Mrs. Vicki Taylor Wallace and Morris Taylor, Sr.
He would have been attending Brandon Academy in the fall as an 8th grade student. He also attended Hood’s Temple CME Church.
Mrs. Taylor-Wallace said her son did not have insurance and the family is in need of assistance from the community. The funeral has been tentatively planned for Saturday, August 5th.
Anyone wishing to contact Mrs. Taylor-Wallace can reach her at (813) 900-1537.
Harmon’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.
