PANAMA CITY, FLA.: A Florida man is being held without bond following a crash that killed four softball players from Ohio who were playing in a tournament in Panama City.
The Panama City, Fla., News Herald reports 21-year-old Cody Austin Shirah wore a cast and sling on his left arm during a first appearance hearing Wednesday. He’s charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and driving without a license.
Authorities say Shirah initially denied being the driver in the Saturday night crash. Two players died at the scene and two died later at the hospital. The van’s driver was treated and released.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Shirah ran a stop sign and plowed into the van, which had just left a game as part of the World Sports League Softball Championships.
It’s not known whether he has a lawyer.