Miami-Dade police

Man Killed, Girl Critically Injured After Car Crashes Into Miami Lakes Canal

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  • Miami-Dade Police and dive team members arrived at the scene near the intersection of Miami Lakes Drive and Jacaranda Lane around 2 a.m.

The New Year started with tragedy in Miami Lakes after a car crashed into a canal, killing a man and sending a teen girl to the hospital.

Miami-Dade Police and dive team members arrived at the scene near the intersection of Miami Lakes Drive and Jacaranda Lane around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday after reports of a red Dodge Neon in the water.

Police confirmed that 19-year-old Christopher Jamie Leyva was pronounced dead at the scene while a 15-year-old girl was was taken to Palmetto General Hospital in critical condition. She was identified by family members as Dezirae Joseph.

Two other men, both 18 years old, were able to get out of the car and were not hurt.

Police have not released additional details of their investigation.

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