Retired SEAL Team 6 member hospitalized after 5-car crash near Lake Wales

LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) — A retired Navy SEAL who once served with SEAL Team 6 is recovering after being seriously injured in a deadly five-car crash near Lake Wales. Michael Owings was airlifted from the crash scene to Osceola Regional Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized. Owings’ wife, Terah, said her husband suffered multiple injuries. “He suffered broken ribs, collapsed lung. He’s having surgery on his right wrist tomorrow, and he had multiple internal injuries and internal bleeding,” Terah Owings said. “They did a wonderful job. They saved his life.” Deputies said Michael Owings was driving a Toyota Tacoma on State Road 60 when a Chevrolet Equinox clipped a Chevrolet Malibu during a lane change, sending the Malibu across the median into eastbound traffic. Investigators said Michael Owings’ Tacoma then made contact with the Equinox. All four people inside the Equinox were killed. Deputies said the Malibu went airborne and flipped multiple times. The Malibu’s driver was taken to the hospital with significant injuries. Authorities said alcohol and drugs are not believed to have played a role. The crash remains under investigation. Terah Owings said her husband has struggled emotionally in the aftermath. “Given the line of work that he was in, he doesn’t blame himself,” she said. “He just maybe blames the fact that he couldn’t save everyone.” Michael Owings served 24 years in the Navy, including time with SEAL Team 6, before retiring in 2018. Terah Owings said he later underwent additional surgeries and was alert when he woke up. “After the second one was a success, they went ahead and started removing the tubes, and he woke up the next day and he was very alert,” she said. The crash happened Feb. 4 — a date that already holds a deep meaning for their family. “He was on a mission, and there were a lot of his teammates that were killed,” Terah Owings said. “He performed a very courageous act and was awarded a Silver Star.” She said this was the first time in years her husband had left home on that date. Terah Owings said her husband will undergo at least one more surgery and is expected to remain in the hospital for several more days as he continues to recover. Terah Owings said the support from the community has meant everything during an incredibly difficult time. She added that while her husband is focused on healing physically, he continues to process the emotional impact of the crash. Authorities continue investigating the collision.