Adam Christian Mathews, a 34-year-old resident of Jacksonville, was killed early Sunday morning just north of Palm Coast Parkway on I-95 when his Porsche struck a motorcyclist then veered into the woods, striking a tree and triggering a fire.
Gena E. Coursen, a 38-year-old resident of Jacksonville, where she is employed in city government, was riding with Mathews, and was ejected from the car. She is in critical condition at Shands hospital in Gainesville.
Allison D. Swisher, the 57-year-old motorcyclist who was riding a Harley Davidson, sustained only minor injuries from the crash, and was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
FHP reports that Mathews and Coursen were driving north on I-95 in the outside lane of the three-lane highway, as was Swisher. Swisher was traveling at a slower speed than Mathews. The Porsch’s right side then struck the Harley’s left side, sending the car and the motorcycle veering into the grassy shoulder and into the wood-line.
The Porsch’s driver-side door struck a large tree, ejecting Coursen. She had been wearing a seat belt, according to the FHP report. The impact with the tree triggered a fire, which engulfed the car with Mathews still at the wheel, the report states.
Swisher, too, was ejected from her Harley, landing on the grass shoulder. She was wearing a helmet. Mathews was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Palm Coast Fire Department, Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene in addition to the highway patrol, whose Cpl. Pete Young conducted the homicide investigation.
The Truth says
This is heart breaking for all who were involved. May God bless all who were affected. Kiss your loved ones and tell them you love them.
Really? says
i want to know what is going on? flagler county is on track to set a new record for fatalities this year and its a record we dont want to be known for. slow the heck down and pay attention!
Observer says
Everyone is too worried about red light camers and not paying attention to the road
boomer says
there are no red light cameras on the interstate!!
The Truth says
That would be accurate, except for the fact that this happened on I-95 and not on Palm Coast roads, therefore red light camera’s were a non factor. Perhaps you could show a little respect for the fact that someone lost their life and not try and turn this into a “red light cameras are bad” posting.
Fleek Weebnut says
People drive very aggressively on i95. It’s not just about speed, but weaving and tailgating. The writing doesn’t really give you an idea of exactly what happened:
” The Porsche’s right side then struck the Harley’s left side”
Huh? Was the Porsche passing? Was it tailgating? I’m assuming the “outside” lane is the slow lane.
I’m guessing the Porsche was passing and didn’t give enough room, or accelerated too quickly. It’s really amazing that the MC rider had the least injuries. It’s usually the other way around.
ryan says
Also a lot of people think they have a right to move to the far left lane when grandma driving if higher speed traffic is flowing consistently in the lane. I have seen people almost cause wrecks and they inconsiderately will not move back over. I myself drive no more than 9 over the limit like most others and dont drive the 115 in a 70 like a maniac, but people, please, don’t put others at risk by driving below the speed limit in the higher speed lane and stay in the slower lanes if you choose to drive slower, which in the slower lane there is nothing wrong with.