Wendell Parker, 32, of Miami Gardens, was killed early this morning and Cynthia Soto, 35, of Flagler Beach, is in critical condition following a head-on collision on I-95, just north of the interchange with Palm Coast Parkway.
It was head-on, because Parker, driving a Chevy Cobalt, was driving north on I-95’s southbound lanes (he appears to have taken the wrong ramp off Palm Coast Parkway, but that’s not confirmed.)
The crash took place at 2:15 Monday morning. Parker, according to the Florida Highway Patrol’s preliminary investigation, was traveling on the inside lane when he crashed into a 2005 Hyundai Tucson that was traveling south, also in the inside lane. Soto was at the wheel of the Hyundai. She was flown by Florida Hospital’s Trauma One to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach, in critical condition.
Parker of the Cobalt was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of neither driver was released until April 26.
I-95 southbound was closed from Matanzas Woods Parkway to Palm Coast Parkway from 2:30 to 7 a.m., by which time John’s Towing, the Bunnell tower, had removed both vehicles. The vehicles’ front ends were beyond recognition.
FHP’s release notes that “charges are pending.” The note is most likely in error since the only surviving driver was not at fault.
The Florida Highway Patrol’s Cpl. A Bennett is the traffic homicide investigator. The Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler County Fire Rescue responded to the crash, as did the Sheriff’s Office and the Palm Coast Fire Police, which regulated traffic alongside DBI Services.
Jenn says
How horrible prayea go out to the woman for a full recovery and prayers to the man’s family may he rip
Hunter says
Careless and senseless. This repeated mistake is almost always a senior citizen, which is why I think PHYSICAL driving test should be required after a certain age. It’s a known fact that reflexes diminish, add to that heart and BP medication, eyesight, etc. I remember back in the 80s when the new Sheraton was built at the yacht club, two different times a car load of senior citizens drove down the boat ramp thinking it was an exit to hop on the highway. We knew this because many who caught their mistake admitted it. One of the car was there underwater for a couple of days without anyone knowing, when they pulled the car out, all four souls were sitting upright with their seat belt on. Very sad. I feel family members have an obligation to check on their older loved ones to determine if they are still attentive drivers, ESPECIALLY after surgery, strokes, heart problems, medication, etc. Like I have said on here before, we checked periodically on my grandmother and when we noticed a change in habits we made her turn in her license, moved her into my house most of the time or made sure we checked in her every single day offering to take her places so she wouldn’t feel such a loss of independence. I turned it around when I said it will give us more reasons to have lunch or dinner together, so she liked the change. But some people are stubborn, until they kill an innocent person.
Fernando Melendez says
This is a very sad situation, my condolences to the families of everyone involved. Maybe it’s time to consider blinking warning lights saying wrong way, for these seldom errors made by some drivers at nights.
Anonymous says
Maybe clearer traffic and direction signs a few more lighted streets, instead of planting any more dang palm trees…!!My deepest condolences to all families involved in this tragic accident.
blondee says
Bar closing time smh
JayJay says
I suspect this crash is likely related to alcohol not Alzheimer’s. Seniors are rarely out at 2:00am.
Pat Patterson says
Agree that it was bar closing time. I guess time will tell whether it was DUI or elderly. Either way, such a tragedy.
Michael Lovero says
Palm Coast is a barely lite place! And to make matters worse,the roads can be VERY confusing.
WE NEED MORE LIGHTS!!!!!!!!
And when is someone going to do something about Palm Coast Wendy’s front sign above the restaurant?
That sign has been gone since the last big hurricane!
It makes Palm Coast look even more trashy. Adding to the already Hobo problem on every corner.
Where is our city council?????
Palm Coast is going to shit!
And no one’s doing anything about it!!!!
Instigator says
How about installing one way grates on ramps so that if you go the wrong way, your tires are punctured?
Jenn says
How about stopping and thinking for our moment this could have been your loved one and saying a prayer for those involved.
Anonymous says
Cindy was the bartender and did not drink EVER while working