An English football referee has died after an alleged hit-and-run crash while on holiday in America. Brandon Grimes, 26, from Seaham, County Durham, was pronounced dead at the scene in Kissimmee, Florida, after being struck by a car in the early hours of Friday, September 25.
Family tribute and fundraising appeal
Mr Grimes, a Liverpool supporter who had officiated at non-league level in the Wearside Football League, was crossing the road from the south shoulder outside a marked crossing when he entered the path of a westbound vehicle, according to Florida Highway Patrol. He was struck by the front-right side of the car before the driver allegedly fled the scene.
His family are now trying to raise £16,000 to bring his body home and pay for his funeral. His mother, Claire, said the family had been “shattered” by his death.
She said: “Brandon is deeply loved by us all and will be missed beyond words. Our lives will never be the same without him. Brandon was a gentle, bright, funny and wonderful soul who brought so much light, love and joy to everyone who knew him.
“He was the life and soul of the party. Our family is completely devastated, and the pain of losing him this way is something no family should ever have to bear. Our lives have been shattered. We are completely lost without him.”
Investigation and vehicle search
The incident happened at around 2.55am on US-192, also known as Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, near International Drive. Traffic homicide investigators recovered pieces of the vehicle from the road.
Police initially appealed for help tracing a silver 2007 to 2010 Ford Edge with a black roof and damage to its bonnet and front-right headlight. A witness later spotted a vehicle matching the description and contacted police, and troopers seized the car for forensic examination.
Background and next steps
Mr Grimes was also a keen runner and completed the Edinburgh Marathon in 2024 to raise money for a rehabilitation charity, which had helped his older brother following a serious military accident. The driver remains under investigation and no arrest has been announced.
His family are now focused on bringing Brandon home so he can be laid to rest while continuing to seek justice. The Florida Highway Patrol investigation remains active.
