On February 7, 2025, my 18-year-old son Bo Ward and his 17  yr old  high school sweetheart Kaedince  Ruelas lost their lives in a tragic crash. They were returning home from a movie when their journey was abruptly ended. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that no justice could be fully sought because four teenagers decided to drive at an unlawful speed and PIT maneuver my son’s F250 truck causing his truck to roll several times. None of the four teenagers were ever tested for drugs or alcohol at the crash sight as my son lay in the middle of the median taking his last breath along with his girlfriend. These teenagers were coming from a party and in the State of Florida, toxicology testing is not mandatory even when a life is lost in such devastating circumstances. Two lives were lost at the crash and we were told there was no probable cause to do a toxicology on the driver.

This is a painful reality for many families who have experienced similar tragedies. The lack of mandatory toxicology reports in fatal traffic accidents creates a loophole that denies families the full truth and justice they deserve. It also lets potentially dangerous drivers remain unaccountable, posing ongoing risks to public safety and to cause more fatalities.

That night two families lives were forever changed. I am asking you to please support The Bo and Kaedince Law, a legislation that would make toxicology testing mandatory in all fatal crashes in Florida with no exceptions!

Bo and Kaedince were a few months shy of graduating high school and had their whole lives ahead of them.  Bo was a gentle giant with a heart bigger than his head and was to start the Fire Academy after graduation. Kaedince was a talented softball player who was continuing her softball career at college level while earning a degree the medical field. As a grieving mother I am tortured every minute of everyday not being able to wrap my arms around my son see him again.   I will never get the chance to dance with him at his wedding, meet his wife which most likely would have been Kaedince or hold his children in my arms. Our families are left with no answers and no closure. We are left with  broken hearts and a pain that I can’t even express in words. 

Families deserve the truth and answers that’s why I am pleading that the Florida Legislature pass The Bo and Kaedince Law requiring toxicology testing in every fatal crash regardless of suspicion.  Please take a minute to sign this petition to honor  my son and his girlfriend’s life and protect other families from the same unanswered truths and heartbreak.  Thank you.

Tara Ward- Mother of Bo Ward