Parents wait for answers after their 28-year-old daughter died in a car crash in Florida

TAMPA, Fla. – A 28-year-old woman was killed in a three-vehicle crash on Dale Mabry Highway near Spruce Street last month.

The accident occurred on Saturday, June 22nd, at around 3:30 a.m.

Emily Koutsoliontos was a passenger in the back seat of a Volkswagen Jetta when she was killed.

Her parents said she was in the Jetta with her friends. The vehicle slowed down as it approached a red light.

According to court documents, a driver in a Pacifica struck the rear of the Jetta, causing it to run off the road and onto a grassy shoulder and roll over. The driver in the Pacifica also struck another vehicle.

Emily’s parents, who live in New York, said three officers showed up at their door to break the news.

“I opened the door, three police officers came in, wanted to know my name and if I had a daughter named Emily. They came into the house and said: My condolences. She had a car accident,” recalls Emily’s mother Michele Koutsoliontos.

Emily’s father was at work when he received a call from his other daughter. He immediately left work and returned home.

“I saw the Suffolk police officers outside my house and I knew immediately: when I walked through the door, all three of them just lowered their heads,” said Nick Koutsoliontos, Emily’s father.

Part of the accident was captured on video by nearby businesses.

Court records show that the driver responsible for the accident showed signs of impairment, including glassy eyes and the smell of alcohol on his breath.

The driver told officers he had drunk 1.5 margaritas at a restaurant earlier that evening. According to records, he left the bar around 11 p.m. and was on his way home at the time of the crash.

A search warrant was requested and approved to take blood samples from the driver. ABC Action News is not naming the driver because he is not currently facing charges.

“It’s pointless. It’s a weapon, a car is a weapon and if you misuse it, people will get hurt and killed,” Emily’s father said.

“People just need to slow down, don’t text and drive, don’t drink and drive, don’t look down, pay attention and obey the law, obey the speed limit,” he added.

Emily’s friends remember her as a compassionate person. They loved her East Coast attitude, her energy, her laughter and her loyalty.

Michele Koutsoliontos

“I got so many different videos and TikToks from her. I never saw them, but all her friends sent them to me. She was fun. She was amazing,” said Emily’s mother, Michele.

Emily’s parents said her life had changed forever.

“This is the worst news a parent can ever receive. You wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” said Nick.

Friends have started a GoFundMe page to help the family.

“We received so much support, amazing people we don’t even know reached out to us and shared our grief with us. It was overwhelming. It helped us a lot,” said Nick.

According to court documents, the driver responsible for the crash could face a DUI charge. Tampa police said investigators are awaiting the results of a blood test.

To learn more about Emily and how you can help her family, click here.