Carlos Adams, 42, is in critical condition, and Tracy Lopez, 44, is in serious condition following a single-car wreck on Palm Coast Parkway early Tuesday morning.
Adams was driving a 2002 Jaguar X-Type, heading west on the parkway, just past Palm Harbor Drive. Lopez was in the passenger seat. For unknown reasons, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Adams lost control of the Jaguar.
The car began to rotate counterclockwise as it swerved into the thickly wooded median–actually, a park–where the front right area of the car struck a tree, then another, then caught fire. The crash took place a little before 1 a.m.
Tuesday afternoon, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office revealed that two teen-agers on spring break, Cody Decker, 17, and Luke Vaughn, also 17, of Dewitt, Mich., were responsible for pulling Adams and Lopez out of the burning car. They told deputies they were at the entrance of Canopy Walk, the condo complex nearby, just before 1 a.m. when they saw a vehicle speed past them then heard a crash and saw the Jaguar on fire.
The two teens then ran to the scene and saw Adams and Lopez trapped in the car. “Within seconds,” the sheriff’s release states, “one of the teens broke the glass on the vehicle and bent the door frame down in order to remove the couple before emergency crews could get to the scene. Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies who arrived first said the vehicle had struck two trees and separated into almost two pieces with the engine coming to rest on Palm Coast Parkway. The vehicle itself landed in the median and caught two trees on fire.”
Adams and Lopez, who were both wearing seat belts, were taken to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach. The FHP hasn’t yet determined whether alcohol was a factor. The Jaguar was removed from the scene by John’s Towing later in the early morning.
“These actions of these teens may have saved the lives of this couple,” said Flagler County Sheriff Don Fleming. “They stayed calm, acted quickly and removed the victms and themsleves from danger. These young men deserve our thanks and recognition.”
Fleming will be recognizing the two teens for their actions during a 10 a.m. ceremony Thursday at the Palm Coast VFW on North Old Kings Road in Palm Coast. Palm Coast Fire Chief Mike Beadle will be there on behalf of the city fire department.
The Truth says
You hate to jump to conclusions in a situation like this, but you have to figure it was either:
a) an animal jumped out in front of them
b) the driver was intoxicated
My thoughts and prayers are with both of them.
J. says
Sadly, Jags are also not known as the most reliable vehicles, either. Possibility #3 is a sudden mechanical malfunction, #4 is if the driver fell asleep at the wheel. I hope they recover.
Anon says
My vote is for distracted driving, ie texting.
Nancy N. says
We hear too many stories about irresponsible teens…props to these two teens for their quick thinking and selfless actions in rescuing these auto accident victims.
The Truth says
I do hope the victims are okay, but its nice to see something positive about the teens of today. So many times we hear negativity, it’s a refreshing change to see them on the good side of the news.
GOP says
Nancy. Kudos, those teens went beyond what most adults would not.. Congats to the heros..
Geezer Butler says
Another possibility is that the Jag’s occupants may have been arguing.
Again, just a possibility. No one seems to know yet, what actually transpired.
I see couples fighting while driving all the time.
I stay behind them far back, as a precaution.
Cheers to Cody and Luke–two newly minted heroes….
Something to be proud of forever because life is precious.
They saved two lives from certain death.
CHEERS!
88 says
Who cares about the cause of the crash!!! Two people are alive because of the actions of these kids… GOOD JOB GUY!!!
Bunnyfart says
WTG A++++++ Cody Decker, and Luke Vaughn,
They should get a key to the city.
Janet Edgington says
All the way from Greenville, S.C. I would like to say thank you to the two teens who pulled the couple out!!!! These young men are Heros and have earned that title…Great Job and wish there were more people out there like you. The other thing i would like to say is the lives that was saved are family members of mine and I for one care about what happend but at this point there well being is what is important and please dont assume what happend because we dont know. Get the facts first please…this could be you or your family!?!?!
JD says
I too want to Thank Cody and Luke, you are a blessing. You two are heros and job well done. Janet – our family will be just fine and don’t let the comments on here get you down. Some people are just heartless. Love you Carlos and Tracy we are all praying for your speedy recovery.
Outsider says
Yeah, I think there probably has been enough speculation over the last few weeks. Great job to the two teens who pulled these folks out; they almost certainly saved these folks from a fiery death. Also, my sister had an ’84 XJS. It was a genuine piece of you-know-what. It’s the only car I’ve ever heard of that had a TOTAL brake failure.
Loretta says
There are angels everywhere and God puts us where he wants us even when we don’t realize it. We all have a purpose and these two young men have proved that. God bless you, Cody, Luke, the victims and especially the victims families. Cody and Luke you have made your parents very proud!