New traffic light to be installed in Orange County years after woman dies in crash

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A local mother and father made a promise after their daughter died in a crash at an Orange County intersection.

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This week, their hard work and perseverance have paid off.

The family spoke about the safety improvements made to the road in her memory as the county works to keep other drivers safe.

Bernadette and Robert Thompson’s daughter Kayla Marie McCade Thompson passed away four years ago.

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They said she was an angel and their “everything.”

Kayla Thompson’s family said she had just left the grocery store with some food for her newborn and was heading southbound on Avalon Park Boulevard.

Officials said that when the car made a left at the intersection, a pickup truck slammed into them, and Kayla Thompson was ejected from the vehicle.

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In her memory, a plaque was placed at the corner of Avalon Park and Perdido Drive. And her family is hoping to make some changes after her death.

“I’m trying to keep her legacy alive by doing (things) for the community,” her father said.

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With the help of County Commissioner Maribel Gomex Cordero, they were able to lengthen the turning lanes, add a speed indicator and install traffic signals on Avalon Park and Pellicer.

Kayla Thompson was also an organ donor and saved five lives because of her generosity with Donate Life Florida.

“She’s a hero,” Robert Thompson said. “She doesn’t need a cape, and her legacy is going on through (the organization) as well.”

As for the traffic signal, the county is still waiting to install some parts, and it should be ready in a couple of weeks.

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