Danville Israel Tardiel, a 64-year-old resident of South Coopers Hawkway in Palm Coast, was killed Thursday night on I-95 when an SUV struck him. He was on foot. The circumstances of the fatal crash are not clear.
Tardiel, originally from New York, was a retired teacher and nurse who wrote poetry and published a book, “Rhymes to Rhythms,” published last year through Esquire Publications. “When he is not helping others, he is a writer and lover of the art of poetry,” the book blurb states. “Danville wishes to share his talent with the world in his heartfelt expressions of Rhymes to Rhythms.”
Tardiel was on foot on the southbound side of I-95 at mile marker 287 at the time of the collision, reported by the woman who struck him with her SUV shortly after 9 p.m. The woman was not hurt. The crash caused the front end of the vehicle to shatter and Tardiel’s belongings, including a firearm, to scatter. Authorities initially shut down the southbound lanes at Palm Coast Parkway, then opened one lane before reopening the road fully at half past midnight.
Next-of-kin notification was made to Tardiel’s wife, also a teacher, later that night. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was first at the scene, with units from Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Palm Coast Fire Department responding. A firefighter paramedic pronounced Danville Israel Tardiel deceased at the scene minutes after the crash. The Florida Highway Patrol took over the investigation, which is ongoing. As of shortly after noon Friday, FHP had inexplicably released no information about the crash–or that it had even taken place–even though it issued three notices of serious crashes on I-4, in Duval County and in Osceola County since then.
Tardiel’s is the second pedestrian fatality on Flagler roads in less than 10 days., A 15-year-old girl–an exchange student from Germany--was killed in Flagler Beach last week, near Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area, on State Road A1A.
Tardiel had lived in the county at least since 2016, The book. According to his 90-page book’s Amazon blurb, the collection of poems “takes you on a ride of diverse art in the form of explosive poetry that will guide you to full euphoria. Relax and meditate on this lyrical poetry so exquisitely expressed by a skilled and talented author.” Next Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of the book’s publication.
Ritchie says
Rest in Peace.
Me Too says
Very sad. R.I.P. Prayers for your famil.
Sonia Alexis says
Sleep in peace our beloved T as my son called you his first school Danmart Daycare center Brooklyn NY . Condolences to his wife Mrs T and the rest of the family.
Terry Harrigan says
There is such a deep sense of sorrow for the loss of my wonderful friend. My family and I extend deepest sympathies to his entire family. Although time and space prevented us seeing each other over the years, I recalled all the times my family spent at your home-our music and jokes. You will remain etched in our minds forever. May you rest in perpetual peace. Respect my brother!
Monica says
Condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr Tardiel aka (big youth)) may your soul RIP. A Grange Hill Westmoreland Resident
SONIA KEDDOO says
Dan we are more than family mere words cannot express your going home so soon. Will ever be missed.
Enough says
RIP
Elliott says
Rip
Vincia Smith says
It definitely is crushing cuz. So very sad indeed.
Andrea T. Greene says
Thanks for all the awesome memories and amazing pool parties in L.I. You will forever be remembered for welcoming all and showing us an amazing time, every year! May you sleep is peace. My condolences to the family.
– Andrea T. Greene
(Heide’s niece)
-Brooklyn
Donnalyn Oconnor-Lodge says
Tardel it is with great sarrow that on behalf of my coworkers and l from Kingscounty hospital, we regret your untimely death. I remembered how jovial you were , and always have me in stitches with all your jokes. R.I.P my dear coworker.
Darryl Jones says
Rest In Power my Brother. Total Family man great friend. Everybody LOVED HIM. AND HE SHOWED LOVE TO EVERYBODY. BLESSINGS MY KING. R.I.P. ..D.J
Devonish says
Garfield Rest In Peace. I remember you as one who encouraged me and stood up for me during difficult times. My heart is broken. Condolences to the family.
Lynette says
I’m so sad I can’t even get my head straight. Mr Tardiel as we called him was a bright light. He would be missed by all his students & their parents from Danmaft day care