A 15-year-old pedestrian was in critical condition Monday night after she was struck by an SUV on State Road A1A in Flagler Beach in the area of Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area.
The girl, who is German, was struck around 8 p.m. by a Chevy Tahoe SUV driven by a 74-year-old woman who was driving south along the unlit road. The collision took place just past South Central Avenue, the entrance to the south-end city neighborhood–by the foot of the water tower–just past the recreation area.
A Florida Highway Patrol crash report states the girl was walking west on South Oceanshore (or A1A) toward the park, “crossing the roadway.” A physician happened to be passing by and provided aid to the girl, who at first was non-responsive. The physician provided CPR. Authorities asked for an emergency helicopter to be on standby, then determined that the girl would be transported by ground to a hospital.
The girl was taken to AdventHealth Palm Coast, according to the FHP report. Patients in critical condition, however, are usually–eventually–transported to a trauma hospital like Halifax in Daytona Beach, unless they are not in a condition to be transferred yet.
FHP noted in the release it issued at 4 a.m. that next of kin had not been notified of the girl’s injuries. The detail is notable in that it suggests that the girl may not have been staying at Gamble Rogers as a tourist.
Traffic was diverted onto South Central. The lanes around the scene of the crash were closed for several hours as authorities investigated. The Flagler Beach Fire Department, Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded, as did the fire police. The lanes were reopened just before 11 p.m., and the Tahoe towed to a tow company’s yard in Bunnell, pending the continuing investigation.
Anonymous says
That’s so sad, my prayers go out to the driver and especially to the 15 year old who was hit
Carol says
Sending prayers to get well soon.
Beth says
Why was it necessary to state that the girl is German?
Miss D says
My prayers are with this young lady for a full and speedy recovery. Thank you to the doctor that helped her on scene. Flagler County roads are horrible for driving at night. It’s very scary to have to navigate Flagler County roads in the dark.
FlaglerLive says
Normally it would not be. FHP specified the fact likely for the same reason we do: the girl may be a tourist, unfamiliar with the region, though it’s equally notable that next of kin had not been notified six hours after the crash.
Eva says
Confused that your question is related to “necessary”? If it’s true, isn’t that the point of the report? I don’t think we want journalists deciding what is “necessary”.
Cherie says
This is so very sad! Prayers of comfort and peace for everyone involved! ☮️❤️
April says
She’s a German exchange student and was camping with her host mom from vero beach. Unfortunately, the dr didn’t get there until a second before the squad came- about 10 minutes after I called 911.
FlaglerLive says
Thank you for the clarification.
Kathy says
Please don’t argue about what’s reported and/or trying to find reason for the accident. A older woman and a young girls lives will be forever changed. Let’s offer prayers and well wishes to the individuals that are affected by this horrific accident.
Tina says says
I totally agree both parties will never be the same praying for all🙏
Jimbo99 says
Wow, I was just thinking about this at 6:45 AM. With DST recently, still dark with the new street lights, sun hasn’t risen enough to see children on Belle Terre close enough to the Middle School. I get to the corner of Belle Terre at a stop sign. One child had already crossed the street at Pritchard, 2 others lurking & still hadn’t crossed. They were standing there, not crossing. I rolled the window down and yelled out to them to cross the street already. The neighbor behind me, impatiently beeps his horn & flashes high beam lights at me as I wasn’t going to go until those kids crossed the street. I hope the neighbor behind me reads this story & post, I saved both of us a potential problem this AM for my actions.
That wasn’t the only encounter, deeper into the neighborhood children on bicycles are weaving thru the residential roads on bicycles on streets that have no lighting at all. These children are wearing black clothing (nothing reflective). And to be perfectly clear, no racism intended, the reality of facts is many of these children are black & brown kids. Hey I’m not the whitest Caucasian by any means myself. Simply almost never see those children until you’re right on top of them. Here’s the thing about that, The neighborhood (Palm Coast) is growing, more families & children, and diverse. dressed in dark clothes the speed limit is 25-30 mph. PSA is in order.
PSA: SLOW IT DOWN, DRIVE WITH HIGH BEAMS to illuminate the area & PAY ATTENTION !
The black kids stand no chance simply because the only thing you’ll see at best are “teeth & eyeballs” at that hour when there is no moon or cloud cover in the night. And the fairer skinned children aren’t much safer. We can’t do much about this Flagler Beach incident beyond learn from it & strive to do better as a community of motorists. Nobody wants to hit a senior, a child, even a dog, cat or wild animal. Nobody wakes up intending to wreck their automobile. And since we’re all in this together, Parents train your children of the dangers of the road, make them aware that it’s life & death and that they need to have their act together to get to their destination. When I cycle, I don’t even trust the motorists, I’ll wave them thru. Communication is key, but there are going to be situations where the motorist simply didn’t see what they hit, because car pillars create blind spots that are a rolling dynamic blind spot with the speed and direction of the vehicle vs pedestrians & cyclists.
Sorry to sound preachy, but my concern is safety & preserving life. These are accidents that a zero tolerance for error is anyone’s mind set. “Arriving Alive” for pedestrian to motorists falls on that individual. Insurance is a poor solution, one has to be a victim to get that compensation claim. Nobody has a good encounter with another if insurance is involved. As for me personally, I’m going to avoid driving at that time I don’t need to be around & in that commuting peak traffic. I’m the type that will drive where I need to go earlier or after the Monday thru Friday daily cattle drive for the herd.
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/bikes-and-biking/hi-viz-clothing-cyclists/
Jenifer Kelly says
Is there an update on the condition of the 15 year old. I pray for her recovery.
Tanya says
Thank you for these words, Kathy.
? says
A police officer was investigating the area as I was leaving Gamble Rodgers campground. I ask how the 15 year old girl was doing. He said, she didn’t survive. 😞😭🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Concerned Citizen says
I hear that the young lady struck did not survive. And I am sorry a life was lost.
I drive A1A alot. And one thing I have tried to bring attention to is pedestrian safety and adherence to rules of the road. Yes there are rules for pedestrians. And they should matter. Numerous times during Bike Week and Spring Break I watched folks dash across the road to get to the beach. Disregarding pedestrian lights and crossing with no protection into oncoming traffic.
Sadly when brought to Flagler Beach PD’s attention the party line is (Educate by social media before enforcing)
I understand that under Florida law pedestrians have the right of way. But it doesn’t always mean you have to utilize it. It’s silly to run across the road and expect a vehicle even traveling at speed limit to stop last minute.Much less a vehicle that might not be driving compliant.
All I’m asking is that you take a second before crossing and make sure it’s clear. That extra second can prevent a life time of hurt. Use crosswalks where possible. And the flag stations. Using extra time to cross safely isn’t going to deprive you of beach time.
With summertime approaching and more beach usage coming everyone motorists and pedestrians need to look out for each other.
Maria Darcy says
Why are the roadways so dark? In all the years that the county and cities have had a growing population did street lighting become a priority? Should street lighting come before more parks, buying overpriced land or sick buildings, pickle ball courts or golf courses…..???? How do we prevent another driver from experiencing this nightmare, and another young teen from having their life cut short? How sad!
Ann says
So saddened to here this such a young life cut short.
1FlaglerWoman says
I, along with many other citizens, walk this same stretch of road several times a week for exercise. The cars drive by way too fast, there isn’t a guard rail either. I do walk during the day but we do need better lighting there at night. Couldn’t we keep the speed limit down all the way to the city line? It’s not much farther. Snack Jacks parking is so close to the road along there as well and I’m always concerned someone will get hit. If the city can pay $450K to replace a trash can, can’t we pay for better lighting and a guard rail near the park?
Jennifer says
I am her host mom. I would like to talk to any witnesses. For the record she died.
Jenifer says
What is your contact info?
April R says
I didn’t see it happen, I was the first to pull over and call 911. The next day FSP called me and let me know her status when they asked some additional questions. I spoke to you that night as well. I am so sorry for your loss. This will haunt me forever. Not a day goes by that I don’t picture her sweet face.
Jenifer says
What is your contact information?
FlaglerLive says
If you need to exchange contact information privately, you can email us at editor@flaglerlive.com
Jennifer Lahman says
I asked Flagler Live to give my info to you.