Roads reopened at 4:35 pm.
Robert Trainham, a 27-year-old Palm Coast motorcyclist riding north on Belle Terre Boulevard, south of State Road 100, was killed in a collision with a Chevy pick-up truck just before 3 p.m. Trainham, a resident of Palm Coast’s W Section, almost lost a leg and appears to have bled out. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Flagler County Fire Rescue paramedics.
The wreck took place on Belle Terre’s final curve south of SR100 (Belle Terre Boulevard starts south of 100; Belle Terre Parkway starts north of 100). Trainham hit a truck driven by Eduardo Borges, who owns Luzo Home Improvements, and who was heading south.
Six people have died on Flagler’s roads since the new year, three of them on motorcycles, one of them on a bicycle.
Two witnesses in separate cars saw the wreck. Mary McLellan, 18, was heading home south on Belle Terre. “The guy was going around the corner, and as he’s coming,” she said, referring to Borges, “the bike is coming around and he swerved into his lane. The bike swerved into his lane. He tried to swerve out of the way, but then he didn’t get out in time and they crashed.” Everything, McLellan said, “went flying,” the bike in one direction, the truck in the other.
The bike ended up on its side in the northbound lane in the middle of scattered debris. Trainham was thrown to the grassy shoulder, some 10 feet northeast of the the bike. Borges’s truck swerved down a berm and ended up off the road, straddling the concrete footpath, facing south.
“I’m going this way, and this guy is going too fast,” Borges said. “He’s halfway into this side of the lane, I slowed down, tried to get away from him, . Here’s the result. He was boogying.”
The Palm Coast Fire Police was diverting traffic off of Belle Terre onto Zebulahs Trail, which arcs around the road.
Michelle Boyles was driving her Chevy pick-up truck behind McLellan, heading home. “He was in his lane,” Boyles said of Borges, “the motorcycle came around the corner and you could see he was just going too fast, and he lost control and that’s when he swerved and hit him, and he [Borges] tried to swerve by going off the road, and it was just, it was too late. And all I saw was the guy fly into the grass and I got on the phone with 911 as quickly as I could. I couldn’t jump out because I had my baby girl,” who is 3. “We were doing 45, he was doing at least more than 50. You could see, he was trying to take that corner as good as he could, and he lost control and that’s when he came over.”
A Florida Highway Patrol homicide investigator confirmed that Trainham “failed to negotiate the curve, a sharp curve,” and slammed into the truck, triggering his ejection. He was not wearing a helmet, but he did not die of a head injury. “He severed his left leg, I believe, below the knee cap,” the investigator said, causing his death.
At 4:15 p.m., Saxon’s Towing removed the victim’s Harley from the road, which was due to open around 4:30. The medical examiner had also arrived at the scene, and the body, which had been covered with a yellow tarp, was being removed. The identity of the victim was withheld until his next-of-kin in Virginia was notified. Trainham’s fiancee lives in Palm Coast.
Flagler County Fire Rescue, the Palm Coast Fire Department and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office all responded, in addition to FHP.
Just Hope says
Prayers to the cyclist’s family..
IronheadTodd says
There have been numerous deaths on this curve. I live about a mile down from it and I always call it, “Dead man’s curve.” There needs to be some serious investigation into the grading of this curve. I think the pavement there is wavy. I have almost wrecked on this curve on my motorcycle before. There’s something about it that when you are going around it with any kind of speed it gives you a really bad wobble that will make you want to straighten up to regain control but you can’t because you’re in a curve. Thank God there wasn’t anybody in the oncoming lane when it happened to me. Now whenever I go around this corner I go so slow that it pisses off motorists behind me, at least I’m alive. RIP bro
Blondie says
All most every road in Palm Coast are just barely the minimal legal width required by state and if you do go off the road and pull back on really quick on Bell Terra has caused people to lose control of their vehicles. Look at the way roads are there is a 2 to 4 in drop.
Deep South says
Blondie when you go off the road here in Florida, chances are you are going to to drive in sand and little dirt. Tires are less resistant in sand, and you have a far more change of going out of control.
Anonymous says
Thank you to those who have contributed condolences and support! This was a young man with 2 small children who made a mistake like so many of us do. This was an accident. He was on a mission: attending school to better himself and to provide for his family. A young man with goals and a plan to achieve them. We are reading this news in Virginia after hearing of this event yesterday. The details provided, while newsworthy, make it difficult to read for the many who knew him. Please do something about the curve for not only him but all of the others who have encountered tragedy on this portion of the roadway. May Brandon rest in peace.
JeyK says
He had two small children, one being an infant. Him and his fiancé just moved to FL in January. It is so so very sad.
Not good says
Too young to appreciate life and understand how fragile it is. How sad. My heart goes out to the truck driver and the family of the deceased.
Quail Hollow resident says
So very sad. This curve is hazardous. I’ve gone around it many times hoping the speeding motorist can hold it together and not come into my lane. Often, people have their vehicle at max speed. This includes LOTS of work trucks. Reckless. Bottom line, this road needs to be straightened as much as possible. Too many deaths.
Resident says
Max speed? Honestly Quail Hollow resident? We have enough exaggerating people on this site as it is. It is a 45mph turn with a precautionary sign lower speed.And by straightening the roads will cut into someone’s backyard or even relocate a house or two. JUST DRIVE CAREFULLY!! ENOUGH SAID!
Mabel says
So, we should straighten every crooked road in this country, hmm. How about drivers slow down for the road conditions and follow the posted speed limits. Speed kills not curves?
Karen says
Unfortunately, some curves do kill. No one said to straighten all curves. But if someone like Ironhead Todd who regularly drives this curve (and on a motorcycle) talks about specific issues with the pavement and grade of the curve, then I think some priority attention should be taken to determine a way to make this curve safer. Nothing wrong in that at all.
Nancy says
No, not every crooked road in this county–however, YOU ought to travel this section of road and see and feel for yourself how difficult this corner REALLY is. I travel this road to and from work daily as does my family. I am so very blessed that no one (to date) has crossed into our travel portion of the road.
My prayers and sympathy are extended to both families involved. What a terrible shame!!!!!
BeachLvr84 says
When will people learn to slow down and pay attention? In this case, a helmet wouldn’t have saved the guy but that’s another big problem. Every day we all drive these roads not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s so easy to forget that we’re driving a 2500+ lb mass of metal flying down the road…. We’re not invincible and we all need to start taking responsibility for our own actions or tragedies like this will continue. May he rest in peace… :(
shawn says
Robert Trainham, rest in peace brother
john says
Bert rest in peace brother..
Mel Bronson says
Speed kills.
Mel Bronson says
Speed kills on a bike or in a car or truck.
Derek mckenna says
My dad and i were just talking about this curve this morning
PC386 says
I hold my breath going around that curve. How many more people have to die before its’ corrected?
Daily Commuter says
This is one of the most dangerous curves in all of Flagler County. So many people have died when they failed this curve – why is it allowed? I drive this road every day, and I hold my breath navigating this steep curve, always praying they will soon widen BT going south, and eradicate that steep curve. I pray for the victim and the man he hit, he must be hurting badly tonight, though it was no fault of his own. Be careful! Hit your brakes, and go slow, no matter how many are behind you.
brewhaha says
That curve is very dangerous and many, many people simply do not slow down for it, not realizing until they’re in it just exactly how bad it is for the posted speed limit (it’s worse if you’re fairly new to living in this area, or are a tourist).
It is very sad that another person had to die here. Maybe the city could put some bolder signage up, warning drivers about this curve, while they figure out a way to re-engineer it.
Ken Dodge says
The single yellow curve warning/speed reduction sign on the northbound shoulder of the road is placed too far before the actual curve. If it is actually in the prescribed location, then an additional sign should be added after it but closer to the curve. The added sign coupled with the existing one would get more attention from northbound motorists and bikers.
Linda says
Does D.O.T. or whoever is in charge see these comments? We should make sure they do.
So sad, and it sounds as if the curve is so bad that even a person trying to take evasive action is not able to do so safely.
Please, everyone who left a comment, call D.O.T. or the appropriate Flagler County agency. It takes time, but our calls may save lives.
Michelle says
Belle Terre Boulevard is a Palm Coast Road……
The Truth says
What a sad situation, may this poor man rest in peace.
Anytime something like this happens we all say slow down, and then life hits us again and we are in a rush to get somewhere and we don’t think as clearly. It’s important to understand that life is fragile and can end in a blink of an eye. We have to cherish it and cherish those in our life. Take everything one day at a time and don’t rush. If you’re 5 minutes late, so what. It’s better to be 5 minutes late then to never show up.
RIP
Brandon's loved ones says
Thank you to those who have contributed condolences and support! This was a young man with 2 small children who made a mistake like so many of us do. This was an accident. He was on a mission: attending school to better himself and to provide for his family. A young man with goals and a plan to achieve them. We are reading this news in Virginia after hearing of this event yesterday. The details provided, while newsworthy, make it difficult to read for the many who knew him. Please do something about the curve for not only him but all of the others who have encountered tragedy on this portion of the roadway. May Brandon rest in peace.
Donna Taylor says
I am a very close friend with Brandon’s parents. I went to school with his mother and my son was in Cub Scouts together with Brandon. Brandon was a good young man, as stated, who was trying to better himself and support his family. I am at a loss for words for what the family is going through at this time. My heart goes out to you Monica and Doug and to Jaime his sister. Brandon may you rest in best.
FlaglerGal says
I am confused, I thought the victim was Robert? Who is Brandon?
FlaglerLive says
Brandon is his middle name, by which he was mostly known.
Anonymous says
So very true, Brandon was a good kid and he come from a wonderful loving family that loved him very much ..The pictures were way to much for me to handle I can’t even imagine what his family and loved ones felt when they saw them .. very disturbing !!! He will be deeply missed by lots of us.. My heart goes to those who knew him .and to his “wife” and their children.. .
Legally says
Hey, how about we ban curves on roads?? That’ll fix it, right??
Jacque Moran says
Brandon was a gentle soft spoken young man with many friends and family that love him. He brought us joy with his music and presence. He was working hard to make his life and his family’s life better. He will be truly missed by us and we know he is in a better place and at peace with his father, uncle and cousin who have gone on before him to prepare his way.
Ethan says
Very sad. It’s a real shame no one applied a tourniquet… could have saved his life.
Asylexx Queden says
I live nearby and I’m hearing that it is possible this rider was racing up and down the road several times that day as someone was heard doing so.
Alfred E. Newman says
I avoid Belle Terre when coming from US-1, I always opt for Seminole Woods Pkwy (when possible).
I always slow down for the curve and end up with a conga-line of cars tailgating me.
It’s time to put up more warnng signage – maybe blinking yellow lights, and roughen the road with an audible cue for daydreamers.
How many more needless deaths will it take to make this feasible?
I am so sorry for Brandon’s friends and family. What a loss….
Alfred E. Newman says
The “daydreamers” remark is NOT directed at Brandon.
It is directed at the chronic and habitual daydreamers on our roads, and it can be applied
to the city for its failure to make the roads safer for all of us.
[email protected] says
if you straighten the curve out they will just go faster, just monitor old kings road past the social clubs going north, its straight and some do 60-70
DeavenandJason says
RIP Robert. We will never forget you and all the laughs we had. You were a good man. You will be remembered and missed dearly.
glide10 says
It’s not the road or the environment, the conditions are posted and if you’ve traveled that road you know what it’s like. People need to drive prudent and with regards to the conditions and warnings. It’s about driving responsibly. Most of the accidents at that location probably could have been prevented if people drive responsibly and with due care.
David R Campbell says
What a horrible loss to your family *Brandon’s loved ones*. I hope I never have to go through anything such as this.:(
Hugs to all of you.
Anonymous says
Thank you! It is heartfelt.
Mike Vickers Jr. says
Burt you will be missed. Your life was cut way to short! Rest in peace brother.
Brattlike says
Very tragic loss, thought and prayers to the bikers family and friends and to the poor man he hit. RIP….
David R Campbell says
@ the truth
Many years ago I was young and ALWAYS late for work.
A forman explained something to me that I followed until I grew old enough to no longer need that information.
He suggested that the next time I was going to be late for work-rather than endanger myself and everyone else on the highway-stop and have a nice breakfast.
His point being: “I won’t yell at you any more for being 10 min. late than for being 1 hour and 10 min. late.”
As sad as it is, and it IS truly sad, what I witness every single day working here in Palm Coast is a flagrant disregard for anything that is not “ME”!!!!
Anonymous says
kevin;
i went to school with Burt. Thats what we called him. We were happy that we had passed electrics and going to engines next. May you ride that Harley up there, on those straight roads without any bad curves.
See Ya Bro
Anonymous says
You must have known him to use that reference. Have you seen his Facebook page? It’s a wonderful array of significant (& insignificant) references of who he really was. But if you were with him daily you already know who he was because he was genuine!!! He was true to himself which made him quite a character in life.
Rob says
Our Prays go out to the family and friends..I don’t ride A motor cycle..But if they’re saying something is wrong with the curve..Then the City should look into it..There’ has been 2 deaths already..Both motor cycles..I live off Belle Terre..There’s A motor cycle,,White,,has A White helmet with A black mohawk on it..If someone knows him..Please tell him Slow Down..They have passed me with on coming traffic coming..It’s better to arrive alive then not at all..I don’t wanna hear him or anyone else getting hurt..The speed limit signs are posted for A reason..Flagler Sheriff should monitor Belle Terre from SR100 to US1…
Be Safe
LOST says
AMEN!!!! @ the truth better to atleast arrive then to not be there at all. Exellent post!
LOST says
My condolences to the family of this young man RIP
RJ says
Just today I was going West on PCP up near Sears and in the left lane when a car came out of those professional buildings (that separate E/W PCP) and made a right turn East right towards me, Lucky I was alert and driving the speed limit or it could have been a head on. The driver saw me coming and immediately gunned the car onto the grass of the right shoulder facing the opposite direction. There were a lot of cars behind me which could have made for a bad accident.
All I can say is slow down and pay attention. Respects to family and Kevin.
Jojo says
How about posting a speed limit of 30 MPH on all curves. Why the rush? We are an impatient nation.
B says
It does not matter how many signs you put up, there is always going to be someone who is in a hurry to go nowhere fast.!!! This entire city seems to exist in the “ME” state! People could care less about road safety, just as long as everyone gets out of their way so they can fly down Belle Terre or 100…..at 60 mph or faster! Guess what people???? WALMART IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE! It will still be there 10 minutes from now, so slow down!
Oh, and to everyone complaining about the red light cameras out there……..I can almost guarantee every one of you received a ticket (or several)! They were put in place to make everyone realize the city was not going to tolerate ignorant drivers like yourselves!
Anonymous says
I knew Brandon in high school. He was my sister’s best friend. They were always laughing and having fun – enjoying life. He was endeared to many, many people.
In Virginia and most other states if a road is made badly people have to get hurt before the local government will fix it or at least put up signs. Based on most of these comments it sounds like that’s a bad curve. How many people have to die before the local government will do something?
My heart goes out to his fiance, children, family, and all his friends.
Anonymous says
RIP, Spike. You will be missed.
Branden's Mom says
To all of the many persons that have offered prayers and condolences…please know that the are received with heartfelt thanks. I will be the first one to tell you that my son was not perfect (although I think he was pretty close). My son had a fiancée and two beautiful children. He was working very hard to make a better life for them all. He was both kind hearted and generous. He was loved by many and will be missed by them all. Of this I am certain…he was not hot dogging on his Harley. He both loved and respected that bike. Sometimes accidents are just that…accidents. I am certain that we have all had a moment behind the wheel of whatever vehicle or bike we own that was not handled as well as we would have liked. Maybe sneezed and crossed a white line… Or maybe something caught our eye and when we looked back we were too close to the vehicle in front of us and had to apply the brakes rather suddenly as not to hit them. The truth is that we don’t know if that was my sons moment or not and we never will. He is not hear to say. The only thing to be taken from this tragedy is this…take life very slow and absorb all you can from it, love those important to you with everything you have and keep them close in your heart. That’s what my son taught me and in return he knew he was loved with all of my heart. God has wrapped him in his arms and taken him home. Please let him rest.
Swtgal & Road says
Thoughts and Prayers to your family!!!!!! I agree totally with Brandon’s mom. RIP Brandon, you will be missed a lot . Bless all !!!!!
juve says
We are so sad and shocked about this terrinle and tragic loss
Our thoughts and prayers are whit you monica and doug and family
We will all miss you brandon.
Descansa en paz
Sarah says
I am really saddened to hear about this. Brandon was an amazing person inside and out. Even if our time together was very brief I did get to spend some time with him after we graduated high school before life just took us our separate ways. I am angered by the comments here. The detailed pictures of his belongings are hard to see. I can’t imagine what his family is going through now. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. A mother lost her son, a woman lost her soulmate, and two children lost their Daddy. Not to mention the impact on this world he would have made but I do know he has made a large impact in all of us who were so lucky to know him at one point in time or the other.
R L says
Our Prays go out to the family,,friends and everyone he has touched their heart..May he Rest In Peace..Life is precious..You get One chance at life..There is No Second Chance..Isn’t it better to arrive late,,No matter how late you are..You’ll arrive alive..It takes A second,,To loose your life..Think of the pain your love ones and everyone else will feel..Life will never be the same..There will always,,Be something to remind them of you..The tears will never stop..We need to slow down and enjoy life..Live each day as if it’s your last..Tomorrow isn’t promised..Don’t put off what you can do today,,for tomorrow..Tell the ones you love..Every day You love them..It’s one thing,,They’ll never get sick of hearing..Never go to bed mad at each other..
Enjoy life,,Take time and smell the flowers,,Don’t just pass them by..
PalmCoaster says
It was a tragic accident that a life was lost and a family and those who knew him are grieving. We lost someone in a different situation he was hit and he passed away and the driver that caused the accident lived. We know what your going thru, getting the call and not believing it is true. May the family find comfort and strengh in God. He is the one that will help you durning a difficult time.
Blanca says
As a mother i ask God for strength.
Monica,Doug and Jaime is a Angel God called.And as the great heroes are never forgotthen.
Born as baby and now rest a great man.
Brandon rest in peace.
Anonymous says
I live a few streets south of this curve for 17 years and there is plenty of room to widen this sharp curve. Too many accidents peopl go too fast.
taylor says
RIP Bert.. May god be with wifey & your children.. Ive only met you guys a few times its so.sad.. Im sorry to his family.