Lyft Ride Goes Awry When Driver Is Murdered
A Lyft ride went awry when a driver was murdered in Panama City Beach, Florida, on Saturday, May 24th, 2025. So, what happened, and how did violence come into play during a simple ride? Keep reading for more details as to what went down.
Lyft Ride Goes Awry When Driver Is Murdered
Uber and Lyft are popular ways to get rides on the spot via apps, and people love to utilize these formats over cabs. They can get where they want to go, track their driver, and more. Unfortunately, a recent ride went terribly wrong when a driver was murdered by their passenger. This all went down on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, in Panama City Beach, Florida. Seventeen-year-old Brayden Raul Gomez is believed to be the passenger who was riding in the Lyft. The unidentified driver was found one hundred feet away from his car on the road and died upon arrival at the hospital.
It is unclear what happened and how this shooting even took place. However, it appears that the shooter was “firing as he fled” the scene of the crime. An eyewitness saw the shooter hopping a fence, but he was ultimately caught. Since 2023, teenagers have been the reason for two additional driver shootings, which is extremely sad. A fifteen-year-old boy received a three-year jail sentence after he shot his driver, yet this is death, so it will likely be far more extreme. Lyft shared that they have reached out to the driver’s family, expressing their condolences:
“Our hearts are with [the victim’s] family and loved ones in the midst of this terrible tragedy. We have reached out to offer support to them during this difficult time and are assisting law enforcement in their ongoing investigation. The rider has been permanently removed from the Lyft community.”
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office broke down everything that occurred and the time of the incident. Brayden Raul Gomez had been charged with an open count of murder and is currently in custody. The fact that he has been banned from the rideshare should never have even been stated after what happened.
Followers Send Condolensces
Many followers who saw the statement regarding the Lyft driver have a lot to say about the incident. Some knew the driver and their hearts broke for him:
- I knew the victim and yes this is devastating. He was a good man and loved by his family and friends. Til we see you again in heaven. RIP Prayers for His family.😢💔🙏🏻
- How messed up is that people giving you a ride , then they get killed . This town getting worse every day. RIP hard working guy . My condolences goes out to the family.
- I was there. It was terrible I live in the neighborhood close to where it happened heard sirens and helicopters all night
Others noted that the neighborhood is extremely dangerous, while some felt that Lyft and Uber drivers should be able to carry guns. However, this never should have happened, and it is an absolute tragedy.
Do you use rideshare services, and does this steer you away? Finally, should Lyft be doing more for the family of the driver? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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