University of Florida Student, 21, Dies on Sunday Following a Scooter Crash on Campus

Bill Allen | June 18, 2025 | Scooter Accidents

A 21-year-old University of Florida student tragically died Sunday after a scooter crash on campus. Learn more about the accident and the ongoing investigation.

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, University of Florida (UF) student Nyla Holland tragically lost her life in a scooter accident near the Southwest Recreation Center on campus. 

According to the Gainesville Police Department news release, at around 7:30 p.m. on that evening, a gray Mustang was heading east on Hull Road. The driver then turned left into a parking lot, colliding with Holland, who was riding on her scooter in the opposite direction. Due to the force of impact, Holland was ejected from her scooter. 

Holland was then transported to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries. 

Remembering University of Florida Student Nyla Holland

Nyla Holland was a sophomore who majored in animal sciences. She also received a U.S. Army ROTC Scholarship commission as a U.S. Army Officer. Upon graduating from college, Holland was hoping to enlist in the Army, with plans of ultimately becoming a military veterinarian—just like her father. 

Holland will be remembered for her passion for animals. Her family owned multiple dogs when she was growing up. As a teenager, she began volunteering for Ranch Rescue, a cage-free, no-kill dog rescue organization in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida. 

She was also a devout Christian, attending Salt Church and participating in several Bible studies at UF.

Holland is survived by her parents, Jaime Holland and Rebekah Santiago, her brother, Jaime Jr., and her sister, Moriah.

Growing Concerns About Scooter Safety

While statistics concerning scooter accidents are not widely available, a report by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission noted a 21% increase in scooter and e-bike accident injuries between 2021 and 2022. Over a third of those injured in these accidents between 2017 and 2022 were under the age of 14. 

Tragedies like Nyla Holland’s death highlight the increasing risk that scooter riders face, especially on busy campuses like UF. Many drivers aren’t accustomed to sharing the road with scooter riders, and this inattention can result in dangerous situations and preventable accidents.

Providing dedicated infrastructure, such as bike lanes, designated scooter areas, and multi-use paths, is an ongoing process. In the meantime, it’s important to raise awareness about accidents like Holland’s to ensure that drivers pay careful attention to scooter riders, motorcyclists, and bicyclists on the roads. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is crucial to everyone’s safety.

What Are Common Causes of Scooter Accidents?

There are many common causes of scooter accidents, including:

  • Distracted driving
  • Poor road conditions
  • Failure to yield
  • Drunk driving
  • Dangerous turns

If you have suffered injuries in a scooter accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your losses.

What to Do if You Have Been in a Scooter Accident

After a scooter accident, you should take the following steps:

You should also contact a personal injury lawyer, who can help you fight to hold the other party accountable for their actions.

Scooter accidents can result in life-changing injuries and cause severe property damage. If you or someone you know has been in a scooter accident, contact the Gainesville scooter accident attorneys at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258