A Tragic Night in Tampa: Car Crash at Bradley’s On 7th Leaves Four Dead and Many Injured
In the early hours of Saturday morning, what began as a case of reckless driving escalated into a devastating tragedy that has left the Tampa community reeling. At approximately 12:30 AM, Tampa police officers spotted 22-year-old Silas Kenneth Sampson driving recklessly and participating in street racing on Interstate 275. What followed was a high-speed flight from law enforcement that would end in catastrophe when Sampson’s vehicle plowed into the outdoor patio of Bradley’s On 7th, a popular gay bar in Ybor City. The crash claimed four lives and left at least thirteen others injured in what Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw described as a “senseless” tragedy. Sampson now faces four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing to elude serious bodily injury or death, and is being held without bond at the Falkenburg Road Jail.
The events unfolded rapidly as Sampson exited the interstate and sped toward downtown Ybor City. At approximately 12:45 AM, Florida Highway Patrol officers located Sampson and initiated a pursuit, attempting but failing to execute a PIT maneuver to safely stop the vehicle. As the suspect continued his dangerous flight toward 7th Avenue, FHP disengaged from the chase. Moments later, Sampson lost control of his car and crashed into the outdoor patio area of Bradley’s On 7th, which was filled with patrons enjoying their Friday night. The impact was devastating – three victims died instantly at the scene, while a fourth succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. As of Saturday, two victims remained in critical condition, seven were listed as stable, two had been admitted and discharged, and two were treated at the scene. Officials have stated there is currently no evidence suggesting the establishment or its patrons were specifically targeted by Sampson.
The horror of the crash was captured in the accounts of witnesses who saw the tragedy unfold. Howard Hopkins, who spoke to local news outlet FOX 13 Tampa Bay, described the terrifying moment when the car jumped the curb, struck the corner of the building, and plowed through the crowd gathered on the patio. “Tables went everywhere, chairs went everywhere, bodies went everywhere — it was pretty bad,” Hopkins recounted. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released footage of Sampson being brought to the Orient Road Jail following the crash, and issued a statement asking the community to “continue to keep those affected, and those mourning the tragic loss of their loved one, in your thoughts as we continue to work in partnership with FHP to seek justice for the victims and their families.”
Bradley Nelson, the owner of Bradley’s on 7th, shared his anguish in a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook Saturday night. “This event has been very traumatic for my entire staff, and myself,” Nelson wrote, describing the incident as “horrific.” He extended thoughts and prayers to the families of those killed and injured, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the Bradley’s community: “Bradley’s on 7th is known for being a very tight-knit family of employees and customers. Our customers are very loyal and have made Bradley’s on 7th what it is today. They are truly part of our family.” Out of respect for the victims and recognition of the trauma experienced by his staff, Nelson announced that the bar would remain closed until Monday, allowing time for the community to begin the healing process.
Nelson also expressed profound gratitude for the swift response of emergency personnel who rushed to the scene. “I cannot say enough about the expert job done by the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff Office and the Florida Highway Patrol and all the involved EMS teams,” he stated. “The speed in which this event was handled, should be noted by all.” The coordinated response of these agencies in the aftermath of such a chaotic and tragic event demonstrated their professionalism and commitment to serving the community during its darkest hours.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor addressed the city via social media, acknowledging the profound impact this event has had on the entire community. “What happened in Ybor City last night was devastating,” Castor wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Families are grieving, first responders are hurting, and our entire city feels this loss. My thoughts are with everyone affected. The investigation continues, and our commitment to keeping our community safe has never been stronger.” As the Florida Highway Patrol leads the ongoing investigation, the Tampa community has begun the difficult process of mourning those lost, supporting those injured, and coming to terms with a tragedy that has forever altered the lives of so many. The senseless nature of the crash—resulting from what appears to be a dangerous decision to flee police—underscores ongoing concerns about public safety and the devastating consequences that can result from reckless behavior on the road.
