ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A Central Florida couple’s wedding day took an unexpected turn when the groom was seriously injured in a crash while driving to the ceremony.
Kapri DeRamus was on his way to marry Tyasia Thomas around 4:30 p.m. Sept. 5 when his vehicle was struck head-on on East Altamonte Drive, according to the Orlando law firm representing the couple.
The law firm said another vehicle crossed into DeRamus’ lane before the crash. The Altamonte Springs Police Department is investigating.
DeRamus suffered two broken arms, a broken jaw, rib injuries and a significant laceration to his knee.
Thomas learned about the crash about an hour before the couple was scheduled to exchange vows. She and family members who had gathered for the wedding immediately headed to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where DeRamus was being treated.
Couple decides to marry at the hospital
Rather than postpone the wedding, the couple decided to go forward with their plans once DeRamus had been stabilized.
Friends and family gathered later that evening as DeRamus and Thomas exchanged vows inside the hospital, with DeRamus still in a hospital bed.
DeRamus’ grandfather officiated the ceremony.
The couple’s original wedding plans had called for them to marry at an events center in Altamonte Springs.
DeRamus has since been released from the hospital, according to the couple’s attorneys.
Honeymoon replaced by recovery
A GoFundMe organized by Thomas’ brother, Maurice Mathies, says DeRamus works in a warehouse and is unable to return to work while he recovers.
“Now, instead of leaving for their honeymoon, they are trying to get through medical expenses, loss of income, a totaled vehicle, and the emotional weight of starting their life together this way,” Mathies wrote.
The fundraiser was created to help the newlyweds cover medical expenses, lost income and everyday living costs during DeRamus’ recovery.
The fundraiser can be found here.
DeRamus and Thomas are represented by attorneys Greg Francis and Christina Brooks of Osborne, Francis & Pettis in Orlando. The firm said the attorneys are evaluating the couple’s legal options as the crash investigation continues.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
