Corrinne Blue, a 32-year-old Florida nurse, faces three counts of vehicular manslaughter after her vehicle struck and killed three Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies on November 21, 2024. Authorities cite fatigue, high speed and possible 'brain fog' from a meal as factors. Blue was arrested on Friday and held on $250,000 bond.
The crash happened shortly after 9 a.m. along State Road 80 in Loxahatchee, about a half-mile from Lion Country Safari Road. Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz's motorcycle had stalled during traffic enforcement, prompting Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller to assist him on the roadside. Witnesses reported Blue weaving through traffic, while vehicle data showed her reaching 86 mph before veering onto the shoulder and striking the deputies, according to the probable cause affidavit from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Blue had just ended a 12-hour emergency room shift at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in Weston and stopped at McDonald's en route home via an unfamiliar GPS route. She admitted to being awake for about 18 of the prior 24 hours and appeared extremely tired, with no evidence of texting or phone use. A human factors expert noted in the affidavit that her calorie-dense, high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal could have caused postprandial fatigue or 'brain fog,' contributing to cognitive impairment alongside her fatigue and excessive speed. Authorities concluded she drove recklessly with disregard for others' safety. 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,” Bradshaw said. “This tragedy serves as a reminder of the very real and deadly consequences of distracted driving.” Blue's next court date is scheduled for June 25.