Last Updated: 10:43 p.m.
David Dalecki, 47, of Ormond-by-the-Sea, died this afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on I-95 just south of Palm Coast’s weigh station, between Mile Markers 284 and 285. Another man was injured.
Dalecki is the husband of Cindy Dalecki, the owner of Marketing 2 Go in Palm Coast, the president of the Flagler Beach Rotary, and one of Flagler County’s most prominent and dynamic personalities. The couple have two sons and had celebrated 23 years of marriage in February. David Dalecki owned his own company, Got Tools. A Dalecki associate confirmed his identity late this evening.
Both vehicles involved in the crash were traveling south around 4:15 p.m. Dalecki was alone in a Chevy Silverado pick-up truck when, for reasons not yet determined, he had veered off onto the grassy shoulder of the highway for an extended stretch (to the right of the paved emergency lane), then back onto the highway, according to a Florida Highway Patrol investigator at the scene.
As he veered back on, Dalecki collided with the Chevy Traverse, driven by John Henningsen, 78, of Ormond Beach. The Traverse rolled or flipped, then crashed on top of the guardrail. The Traverse ended up facing west, perpendicular to the guardrail, half its body in the southbound section of the highway, half in the northbound.
The Silverado was damaged on its front and driver’s side, but not catastrophically, and ended in the left emergency lane and shoulder of the southbound lanes, facing directly against traffic, north. A Flagler County Fire Rescue unit’s paramedics pronounced the death of Dalecki almost immediately after arriving at the scene.
The crash itself is not necessarily what caused the death: that’s to be determined by an autopsy. There were some indications at the scene that a medical issue could possibly have played a role, according to trooper’s early observations.
Henningsen was transported by ground to Florida Hospital Flagler. He was aware when pulled out of the SUV, and his injuries are not life-threatening.
The crash has significantly tied up traffic in both directions, north and south from the scene of the crash, though the northbound lanes are not restricted: gawkers are slowing down traffic. One of the three southbound lanes is closed to traffic, and is expected to remain closed for a few hours as authorities investigate. The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting toe traffic homicide investigation.
About a dozen vehicles had stopped to help victims of the crash immediately after impact, according to Mike Burke, who was driving a loaded Penske rental truck north, toward Savannah.
“It was nice to see that we had probably at least 12 cars stop” to help, Burke said. “Plenty of hands. A little faith in humanity is restored.”
He was about 200 yards south of the point of impact when it happened. He was among five people from different vehicles who rushed to the aid of Henningsen in the SUV.
“It took five of us to get him out,” Burke said. “One guy on top, one guy crawled through the back, three of us on the bottom.” One of the men helping, a former Marine, had a knife he used to cut the victim’s seat belt. “We had him out before the paramedics arrived. He was pretty shaken up. We pulled him out because we thought he had a gas leak. It turned out it was transmission fluid and antifreeze.” As he spoke, Burke looked at his hands, still bearing bloody marks from the victim he’d helped.
By 6 p.m., two lanes were open southbound, but traffic had backed up almost to Palm Coast Parkway. Traffic northbound had resumed normal speed.
The Palm Coast Fire Police was regulating traffic. The Palm Coast Fire Department, Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office had all responded, in addition to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Ambroz says
Such a terrible tragedy! Cindy is one of the most respected and beloved people in this town. A devastating loss for such a great family. Our thoughts and prayers for Cindy and her sons.
Ky Ekinci says
Have no words. Very saddened with this accident. Dave and I have a special connection. I feel the pain of the Dalecki family. Cindy, love you, be strong. You and your family in our thoughts.
Algernon says
How very sad for the Dalecki family. I’m sure the community will come together to help support Cindy and her boys. Prayers for all concerned.
Donny Palmer says
This is so sad. Our thoughts are with the family. No Words.
Old Lady says
So sad,sending prayes
Charles F. Ericksen, Jr says
Regretfully, this sounds like a probable medical issue. Dave was a great Husband, DAD, and contributor to activities in the County..A cook, at First Friday: and any event needing a volunteer ..We in Flagler have lost too soon a solid citizen ..
.Rest in Peace , Dave we’ll all miss you..
Markingthedays says
This makes me very sad for Cindy and the kids.
Florida voter says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of David Dalecki and the other (unnamed) individual. I pray that other people and agencies can help them through their grief.
I also want to say that it’s heartening to hear that “about a dozen vehicles” stopped to help. Faith in humanity restored.
C. Ceballos says
The entire Dalecki family has always been very special to me and we are very saddened today. Our thoughts, Prayers and Blessings are sent to the entire Dalecki family. David is a good man and will be truly missed in our community and personally. I am truly speechless.
Katie Semore says
A very sad time for the Flagler County community. May David RIP and prayers for his family and friends during this horrific time.
Regan Santry says
I had so much respect for Dave . . . He was an incredible father. God bless him in heaven.
He will be missed.
R. McManus says
So very sad – Dave helped me out on more than one occasion. Condolences to his family
marvin says
Surfed with big wave dave many times freesurf as late as wed afternoon and tommy tant same division u will be missed my brother may God comfort ur family and may this remind us all we are not promised tommorow so make today count a nd im sure big wave dave did may ur kids and wife be blessed and comforted amen
Jack Howell says
Horrendous and news sad to hear. Cindy is strong and she and her sons will get through this tragic event. Prayers are offered and Cindy knows I’m just a phone call away for any help or assistance she may need. My love is extended to Cindy and her family. God Bless and watch over you all!
Patti says
So very sad for the whole family. My heart goes out to all of them especially Dalton, you all are in my prayers..
Catherine Smith says
What a great guy and family. Cindy we prayer for strength for you and your boys.
jimmy day says
So sad, what a wonderful family.
Ampy Perez says
This is so sad and tragic! I am at a lost for words. Cindy and her family are beautiful people. My heart and prayers are with Cindy , the boys and the family.
May the good Lord give them the strength and peace they need at a time like this.
Jim Neuenfeldt says
Cindy,
So very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Your boys and yourself I am sure never expected this and there are no right words to say. Just know that you are loved and we are all mourning your loss and sadness with you.
Jim
Violeta Igribizova says
The weigh stations are so close to the exit. We can’t get in or get out to or off the highway easy.The two lines are full with semitrucks,trying to give us a room to get in.More accidents will continue to happen if they don’t move the stations far enough from the town.My condolences to the family of the victim.
Saddened says
SO sorry for your loss. What a Horrible Freak accident.
Samantha L Howell says
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. NEED ANYTHING AT ALL CALL US.
Ginny Niebauer (Chamber Member) says
Please let ART among the FLOWERS know what we can do to help. We send our prayers and condolences your way.
Brian Curbow says
Condolences to the Dalecki family. Truly a major loss for Flagler County and all who knew him. Heaven definitely gained a good one. Miss ya Dave! RIP
Anonymous says
My heart aches for this family. Even though I did not personally know the family, I feel the entire community has been affected by this horrible tragedy. God Bless You.
Nikki (Ellis) Greenwood says
Cindy, my prayers go up for you and the boys and David’s family. I couldn’t imagine how much your hearts hurt. I am so sorry. Sending love and hugs.
Jim, Cammie & Carol says
Cindy & the beautiful Dalecki Boys, Our hearts are broken over your tragedy. You are in our thoughts & prayers. We will never forget the weeks fishing, boating, jumping off the buoy towers and almost getting arrested for it and the lobstering we just spent with ya all in the Keyes! That special time will never be forgotten! Cindy please call if ya need anything! Dave – we will miss you sooooooo!!!!!!! See ya on the other side:)