Memorial service held for woman killed in Mascotte crash

GROVELAND, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The community of Groveland held a memorial service Thursday for a 46-year-old woman killed in an accident during a pursuit by the Lake County Sheriff's Office.   The Florida Highway Patrol says the victim was an innocent person, simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The turnout at the Inspired Life Ministries Church on Downing Street was huge as Kim King was clearly loved by many.  

"She was the nicest person I think you could ever meet.  Always happy, smiling, even on a bad day.  She made the days better," said co-worker Christ Boone.

Which is why when news of the fatal two-car crash last Thursday night on County Road 33 in Mascotte reached those who knew King, the shock was palpable.  

Deputies said King was minding her own business when a white SUV, driven by a pregnant 27-year-old Mylinda Martinez, hit stop sticks set out by Mascotte Police at the request of Lake County deputies.  Martinez veered over the center line, hitting King's Cadillac Escalade.     

Deputies say they had been pursuing Martinez since she was spotted at a known drug house and then ran a stop sign.  Both drivers died.

Boone says, "We were all completely in shock!"

King's family has hired attorney Matt Morgan to search for answers regarding the pursuit, and a spokesman with the Sheriff's Office tells me tonight they cannot comment further due to the pending litigation.