Tragedy Strikes West Palm Beach: Scooter Rider Fatally Struck

Connor Blais, a 28-year-old bartender, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his electric scooter in West Palm Beach. The incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2026, on South Olive Avenue. Blais had finished his shift at O'Shea's Irish Pub and was on his way home when the collision happened. The driver responsible fled the scene without stopping to provide assistance or report the crash, leaving Blais to die alone.

Detectives are urging residents in the vicinity of the crash site to review their security camera footage from between 1:20 a.m. and 1:50 a.m. They believe the vehicle involved likely sustained damage to its front end or passenger side. Blais, originally from Lehigh Acres, was known for his bright personality, love of travel, and cherished memories with his partner, Lawrence Cassenti, whom he had been dating since 2025.

Friends, family, and patrons of O'Shea's have expressed profound grief over Blais's sudden death. A shrine adorned with flowers has been set up at the pub, and bouquets have been placed near where he tragically lost his life. His coworkers remember him as a happy and charismatic presence behind the bar, whose absence has left a significant void.