Florida Nurse Accused of Killing Deputies Charged, Cites ‘Brain Fog’ and Fatigue as The Reason

A Florida nurse has been charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter after a high-speed crash killed three sheriff’s deputies on the side of a road, according to authorities.

The suspect, identified as Corrine Blue, 32, was arrested and remains in custody on a $250,000 bond. Her next court date is set for June 25. Investigators say a mix of extreme fatigue, speeding, and possible “brain fog” after a fast-food meal may have played a role in the crime.

The victims, Luis Paez, Ralph Waller, and Ignacio Diaz, were assisting on the roadside when they were struck.

The crash happened shortly after 9 a.m. on November 21, 2024, along State Road 80 near Loxahatchee. Authorities said Diaz had stopped after his motorcycle stalled during traffic enforcement, whereas Waller and Paez arrived to help him.

At the same time, Blue was driving home after a 12-hour overnight shift at a hospital. She told investigators she had stopped at McDonald’s before heading home and was using a new GOS route.

Blue claimed she was driving near the 55 mph speed limit and trying to pass a slower vehicle. But witness accounts and vehicle data told a different story. Investigators said she was weaving through traffic and reached speeds of up to 86 mph.

According to the arrest affidavit, her car moved onto the shoulder and struck the deputies, who were on their motorcycles.

Police say Blue was not using her phone at the time. However, they noted she appeared “extremely tired.” She had been awake for about 18 of the previous 24 hours.

Experts have shared that a level of sleep loss can affect awareness and reaction time, while another human factors expert added another possible factor. “The opinion of a human factors expert… indicated that it is possible that the calorie-dense, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate content of the food purchased by Ms. Blue induced a state of postprandial fatigue, characterized by cognitive impairment or ‘brain fog’,” the affidavit read.

Investigators concluded that the combination of fatigue, high speed, and impaired focus showed reckless driving. They said she acted “with willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others.” Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw called the arrest an important step.

"While no legal outcome can ever replace the lives lost or ease the pain felt by their families, loved ones, and our agency, we remain committed to seeing this case through the justice system," he said. "This tragedy serves as a reminder of the very real and deadly consequences of distracted driving. We urge every driver to remain focused behind the wheel because one moment of inattention can change lives forever."

He has also warned the drivers to stay alert, talking about how this case brought a tragedy and the deadly consequences of distracted driving.