Update: On Oct. 20, the Florida Highway Patrol, after numerous requests, provided a crash report that identified the individuals involved in the July 1 crash.
The victim who died in the t-bone crash was identified as Thomas Robert Reed, 72, of Ponce de Leon Drive in Palm Coast. The woman who was driving the 2017 Dodge Ram–a vehicle registered to Robert M. Drakes–was identified as Amanda Rena Drakes, 32, of Raintree Place in Palm Coast. The report states that she ran a red light. With her was an 11-year-old girl with the same family name.
A Palm Coast man was killed early this afternoon (July 1) in a t-bone crash at the intersection of Belle Terre Parkway and Central Avenue, near the Town Center Publix. Two other people, a woman and a girl, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Based on early indications from the crash and according to one witness who spoke with a Florida Highway Patrol investigator at the scene, a woman–also a local resident–was at the wheel of an orange Dodge Ram pick-up, driving north on Belle Terre. The man was at the wheel of a black Isuzu Rodeo SUV, pulling out of Central Avenue, which turns into Easthampton Boulevard across from Belle Terre. It’s not yet clear whether the man intended to make a left to drive south on Belle Terre, or to drive across to Easthampton.
But based on the witness’ observation, the FHP investigator at the scene–stressing that the investigation is still preliminary–said the driver of the Dodge went through a red light and struck the Rodeo. The collision impacted the Rodeo’s driver’s side almost exactly where the driver sits, smashing the and fatally indenting the vehicle at that point. The Rodeo ended up facing north-northeast, mostly in the median. The Dodge ended up facing west, all the way into the southbound lanes of Belle Terre, at the northwest corner of the boulevard’s intersection with Easthampton.
The man in the Rodeo was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash took place a little after 1:30 p.m. Storm cells had just begun to mover over the area at the time. The Palm Coast Fire Police shut down traffic on Belle Terre south of Royal Palms Parkway, and diverted traffic from Central Avenue north, as the zone around the crash shut down all westbound traffic on Easthampton. The scene was expected to remain under investigation well into afternoon as the medical examiner and FHP’s traffic homicide investigators had not yet made it there as of 2:45 p.m.
Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Palm Coast Fire Department, along with the Flagler County Sheriff, also responded to the scene.
It was the second fatality on Flagler roads in a matter of 15 hours. At 11:30 p.m. Friday night, Douglas Reynolds, 49, was killed while crossing I-95, near the intersection with Palm Coast Parkway. Reynolds was running from east to west when Meghan Perfater, 17, of Blacksburg, Va., struck him with her 2015 Honda Pilot. Reynolds’s hometown was not listed by FHP. He was reportedly believed to be homeless.
The last 15 hours’ fatalities bring the total number of people killed in traffic crashes in Flagler to 24 so far this year.
South Florida says
This is an awful tradey and my prayers go out to the family.
Watching Closely says
Both these fatal accidents occurred because the driver wasn’t paying any attention to what they were doing…ie: running a red light or watching for pedestrians. A grim reminder that each of us has to drive defensively and also pay attention to what is going on around us at all times.
Anna says
This is getting ridiculous…
palmcoastgirl says
So very sad.
woodchuck says
This is Palm Coast, green does not always mean go.Always look before getting in or crossing into an intersection your life could depend on it.Sad day.
Concerned Citizen says
When will it end??
I am sorry that someone has lost their life in another needless road incident.
People need to seriously slow down and obey traffic laws and signals. Lights and stop signs aren’t there for scenery. And the posted speed limit whether you agree or not isn’t a suggestion by the way.
Countless times over the past few weeks I have seen folks blow thru a light or stop sign nearly hitting someone. Most of the time they aren’t even driving distracted. Just being an ass hat.
I had a gentleman in a Corvette get behind me today on US1 going South. I was in the right hand lane doing the speed limit. He got impatient and flicked his lights and honked his horn while tailgating I might add. He then passed me cut someone else off to get ahead of me and finally make a turn. I ask what does this behavior accomplish?
It’s not about having more cops enforce the rules of the road. People would gripe about that also. It’s not about having more traffic lights or stop signs. It’s about personal accountability and taking responsibility as an adult and driving right !!
I drive a commercial vehicle for a living and have gone thru specialized driving training in my past during my public safety career. Have lived in Flagler County for over 15 years and can never remember this many fatalities.
Rose says
Your exactly right. People need to always drive defensively anymore. As well as be educated as to talking on their phones and texting. It’s a huge responsibility to get behind the wheel and pay attention especially at crossroads because people seem to think running red lights are t a big deal anymore I’ve noticed around town. God bless these people their lives are over needlessly and its very sad so many accidents everyday it’s very disheartening becom
Rose says
Parents please educate your children about driving safety as well as keeping a close eye on the elderly because they may not realize their sense aren’t what they used to be. Although I believe the majority are middle aged drivers simply not caring enough to be extra careful because everyone seems to be in a hurry instead of realizing that it’s more important to arrive safe than to be speeding around as I see so many. I’m constantly being honked at for doing the speed limit around town and passed even on no passing lanes. Please be responsible, although some accidents simply are accidents, a lot can be avoided with common sense behind the wheel.
bill harvey says
very few people do 45 mph on belle terre
John says
These cops need to quit worrying about pot smokers and worry about these damn red light runners I seen one today light was red for 10 minutes and a guy went through it 3 diculous
Vicki and Brian Nixon says
People Please remember. ..a car is a weapon and we All must be alert and drive with respect and caution at All times.
Sunny says
Really? Watching for pedestrians on I-95? Don’t know about you but it’s not exactly what I look for on 95. Still it is a tragedy for both incidents.
Just wait for it says
I have almost been hit by that orange truck a few time, she speeds and tailgates. Very sad prays for both family’s.
Richard Smith says
Distracted driving by the driver of the Dodge Ram? What say you? Regardless a very sad situation. When anyone fails to stop for a red light and blows through it chances are someone will die. The same thing happened on Palm Coast Pkway W. and Pine Cone Dr. where two people lost their lives. People need to get a grip on the steering wheel and leave the DAMN phone alone.
ex-palm coaster says
What was a pedestrian doing on I-95?
Knowsalittle says
The accident on 95 was the pedestrians fault, not the young driver.
Frogger says
So not seeing a pedestrian on 95 at 11:30pm means the driver wasn’t paying attention? Last I checked there wasn’t a crosswalk on the interstate.
liberal says
re : watching closely. driving at night on interstate 95 at 70 mph, we really should not be on the lookout for pedestrians. however, if one walks in front of my car at that speed, there is not much you can do to avoid him. And its not that driver’s fault.
Jim C says
Just because you have a green light still look
Kimberly Staub says
DISAGREE.
On the incident with the man being killed on 95 … Our friends were there and saw what happened. This man was running in and out of traffic.
Yes it is a tragedy. But please don’t blame people if you do not know all of the facts.
Now this 17 year old has to live with this tragedy because of someone being stupid.
Stanley Wolak says
Seems very odd that we are seeing more intersection fatalities in Palm Coast this past year since the camera’s were taken away at our intersections!
tulip says
So this woman endangers the child by running the red light and then kills an innocent driver. Shame on her.
I hope the court punishes her to the full extent of the law. It’s a good thing there was a witness because they might never have known who was at fault because there are no red light cameras anymore to photograph the accident.
Bigman says
I was just thinking the same thing today! Once the accountability disappeared, the drivers became more reckless with their driving behavior because they didn’t have to worry as much. Sad.
Anonymous says
I watched this lady in the orange ram run over a huge turtle on belle terre….she is a horrible driver…
Anonymous says
Last week this lady in the Orange Ram was tailgating me on Belle Terre, than flew around me and ran the Red-light. So sad for the man that past away for something that could have been prevented.
Sanuon Surh says
That is so horrific! That breaks my heart.
Carolyn Sierra says
I have never heard or seen so many accidents here in Palm Coast. I’ve been coming to Palm Coast for over 35 years and since I moved here 4 years ago I see so many people flying on Belle Terre, Palm Coast Pkwy, Old Kings Road, etc. People speeding, tailgating, and the worst, being on their stupid cell phones. I don’t know what happened here, I pray the woman wasn’t on her phone, but running a red light proves that most of the time someone is killed. From the second she decided to run the light, her life, the life of the families of the man who died as well as her daughter seeing this all happen right before her eyes, changed forever. So horrible for all.
Let’s slow down people, be more considerate of each other, putting others first and prevent anything from keeping us distracted, that means off phones!!!
Angry says
I have never driven in a city with such horrible drivers as Palm Coast. I literally fear for my life everytime I leave my house. Every single day within a 4 mile stretch from my house to my job, I almost get t-boned 3-4 times from drivers running stop signs, side swiped by drivers drifting into my lane because they are texting, rear-ended by people riding my bumper or slamming their brakes on at the last minute, passed by cars going 60-70 mph on Belle Terre, and everytime I’m at a red light, the car behind me is 2 inches from my bumper. My anxiety is extremely high every time I drive. I just don’t understand why people are in such a hurry and so impatient. They are selfish individuals who don’t take the responsibility of driving seriously and could care less who’s lives they are putting in danger. Something needs to be done.
Kim says
I think it would help if Palm Coast had a police department. There is not enough patrols on the road.
Lou says
Is it time to bring back the “RED LIGHT CAMERA” systems?..
Anonymous says
maybe she is high
Hopeful says
So many fatal accidents. Double check to make sure the light is green! I feel bad for the guy amd young girl in the orange car.
Concerned says
A very unfortunate accident…..the woman in the truck will have to live with her negligence for the rest of her life. I do hope that she does jail time….maybe she will think twice before running a RED light again. So many people said they recognized this vehicle before they even knew who was in the wrong here.Too bad they never reported her poor driving habits. It maybe would have saved a life. Very sad…..my heart felt condolences go out to the family members of the man she killed!! May he rest in peace.
isabella says
Here is yet another example of the” speeding ” epidemic of Palm coast. Belle Terre as also White view are the favorite streets for these out of control teen drivers and their need for speed. People have complained about this very dangerous issue even with the last Sheriff and all that the police did was give them a slap on the wrist. An officer told me to my face that he was not going to issue any ticket to this habitual teenage speeder because this officer had kids and boys will be boys. Great news for all of us driving in palm coast, remember, when you see a car with teenboys racing don’t call the police because BOYS will be BOYS. Pray that they don’t rear end you.
Tired of it says
Texting while driving has become a cause of many of the traffic accidents that occur anymore.Everyday I have some texting idiot swerve into my lane. Pay attention people!
steve says
i have to say, it was very sad to drive by the accident scene yesterday with my family,knowing there was a fatality at the scene,after a beautiful day at the beach.it made me sick.i am new to the area from mass,and i am shocked at how many accidents i personally have seen.people need to pay attention and slow the f down.my thoughts and prayers for the family.if what i have read about the driver in the red truck is true,she should be disgusted with her self.
Anonymous says
I always teach my son whenever you get a green light always pause before proceeding through as there may be IDIOITS like this woman who will attempt to blow through a red light.
Praying Mom says
It’s rather sad that we have to read about these fatalities so often. I agree that ever since we lost the camera lights it’s been scary driving in Palm Coast.
The one thing we do EVERYDAY in my house is to pray over ourselves, children and cars before we leave the house. We cover ourselves with the blood of Jesus and pray for our protection wherever we go. It’s been working so far….and even when we got rear ended on Belle Terre, there were no injuries or fatalities. God has been our protector, defender and shield.
mark101 says
When are drivers going to “GET IT”. Stop sign means stop, a red light means stop, nothing but idiots that should never be driving. Better yet you cause an accident NO death, your license is suspended for 5 months to a year. You cause a death your license is suspended for 5 years. .
Norman Roy says
Time to return Red Light Cameras! If people continue NOT obeying traffic laws, than we must STOP them from driving! Palm Coast has some of the BEST highways in America yet few JERKS are making driving unsafe for everyone!!
Bc. says
I hate driving in palm coast. I live in Flagler beach and stay out of palm coast as much as I can. I do the speed limit and I always have cars up my ass flying by me throwing me the finger. You never see a cop pulling them over. We need more road patrol come on sheriff beaf up you traffic patrol keep our roads safe if you crack down on aggressive driving and the people see it things will get safer on our road and for the morons who passed me we always end up at the next light together so slow the F down
Teri says
I have lived here in Palm Coast for close to 19 years now. I can remember when Belle Terre was only two lanes and no traffic lights after Buddy Taylor School. It was quite and the people were friendly and respectful of one another. That world no longer exists. I too have been honked at for doing the speed limit, been cut off, almost side swiped several times by drivers on their phone!! Than they have the nerve to flip me off!!!! And no one ever uses their damn turn singles anymore!!
COME ON PEOPLE, PLEASE READ YOUR DRIVERS MANUAL AGAIN!!!!
another vet says
Belle terre is getting to be race track NO one does the speed limit, while doing 45 I have been passed by school busses
Kayla says
I was there when this accident happened and I think it’s important to take into consideration that everything mentioned in this article is based off of a witness account, none of it is confirmed, it all happened really fast. My family and I were the first car in line waiting for the light to change to green when the accident happened and I can’t even tell you what happened because it all occurred really fast. my parents and brother went to the black car to see if he needed any help but it was too late and emergency responders were beginning to arrive so we left it at that, but again we were front and center when it happened and I can’t even recall completely. we all need to look out for one another and drive defensively. this was a senseless tragedy and although my family and I are ok it’s something that I’ll never forget seeing and will carry with me forever, especially as a 17 year old new driver
Mac says
Almost suffered the same fate the other day. We had a green light turning on to PC Parkway from Pine Cone. We were already moving when I looked left and said “Baby, he’s not stopping.” Sure enough, some blond guy in a big faded green truck going at least 55 blew right through, staring us down while passed. If I hadn’t seen him I’d be dead. I agree, it’s not a light camera issue; it’s actually caring about others around you.
Jon Zolsky says
Some comments are simply ridiculous. How could you stop for a pedestrian trying to cross I-95 going 70 MPH? Pedestrians should not be on I-95. The girl is not a fault here.
Downtown says
Until laws are passed making it illegal to multi-task while operating a motor vehicle these accidents will continue on a regular bases. Vehicles today have to many bells and whistles on the dash diverting ones attention from the road. Add to that the cell phone, computer, eating and hundreds of other distractions and it’s well, an accident waiting to happen. I don’t buy into the excuse of every things hands free in my car, all I have to do is talk. Well we know that many of you can’t talk without using your hands and then there’s those that can’t chew gum and walk at the same time. So do everyone a favor and just drive the car. And the police don’t set a good example with their laptop mounted in the middle of the dash, the cell phone setting on the shoulder as they talk and type while zipping down the road. Thought they had two way radios to communicate with headquarters? Why the need for a laptop and a cell phone? Or why not pull over off the road if you must make a call or use the computer to inquire info? You lead by example don’t you?
Capt says
Maybe Palm Coast needs its own team of Bernard “Barney” P. Milton Oliver Fifes to patrol these streets on a daily basis and start ticketing these drivers that just don’t seem to understand about traffic signs and lights.
Sickened says
I live at the beach and avoid Palm Coast as much as I can. This is a very sad situation. I believe taking the red light cameras away was a huge mistake, and it is showing. All of you out there that have seen this girl in the orange pick-up driving aggressively and dangerously should call the Sheriff’s Dept. and let them know what you have witnessed. This woman needs to be stopped before she kills somebody else and your story may help. And the fact that she drives like that with her child in the car INFURIATES me.
Lou says
Can police issue traffic tickets from video recording evidence?
Steven says
Yes they can Lou. The camera is as good as a witness. A camera video actually makes the police officer the witness. Anyone watching video evidence, becomes a witness because you are watching the actual scene.
Richard Smith says
All of my vehicles except for my motorcycle, my motorcoach, my car and my wife’s car all have high definition dash cameras. I want to have video proof if and when some a$$hole driver causes problems for us. I have a video clip of a road rage incident on I-81 in Virginia by the driver of a Federal vehicle no less. Got a great description of the license plate but no vehicle number ID or telephone number on the vehicle.
Loving life says
I was driving to work this morning Heading to Bunnell from Palm Coast. I was in the 1st car in the turning lane to turn left on 100. It was at a green light while I was waiting to cross over traffic on US1! when my light went to yellow there were cars approaching from the other direction. I witnessed one van traveling so fast I didn’t think they were going to stop It turned steady red and I witnessed the van blow right thru the major intersection without even a hesitation or a concern for anyone safety. REALLY this is Riduluous
Laurie says
Have names been released?
CT says
Get this idiot off of the road before she causes more carnage. Forever.
Just thinking……..
Those who fought the red light cameras must be feeling pretty smug about their successes. Or maybe not.
I would be very willing to pay additional taxes to station deputies at all of our major intersections to relieve the situation. Could even be revenue positive!
Sheriff Staley, please take action!
Richard Smith says
@ loving Life – this same scenario will continue to happen until there are severe consequences for people blowing through a red light. In this case the lady will do time for vehicle manslaughter and besides the time spent in jail it will cost her a fortune in legal fees, etc. Red light cameras do nothing to prevent people from blowing through a red light. And besides in most cities where they were evaluated it did not curtail accidents from happening nor did it reduce the number of people disobeying the law. In fact it created more accidents by people slamming on their brakes causing chain reaction rear end collisions.
A. Mason says
Running a red light and killing someone doesn’t necessarily mean jail time. I lost my husband to a red light runner. We were just entering an intersection to make a turn (we were the fourth car to do so) and we were hit. Never saw the vehicle coming. I spent four days in the hospital with 17 rib fractures,The driver was fined several hundred dollars and lost his license for three years. Needless to say, he never finished paying the fines and left town.
Josh says
How long does it take to get names released, this vehicle looks familiar.
Me says
I know exactly who it is!!
can'tfoolme says
We’ve asked, information has not been provided yet. -FL
Why was the name of this woman not released in the news report? She needs to be publicly named and held accountable for her recklessness. Wondering if she was driving with an already suspended license since so many people mentioned witnessing her horrible driving skills prior to this incident. May the victim rest in peace and condolences to his family.
D Gelles says
I am almost sure that I saw this same orange pickup make a left turn out of the side parking lot of Target one day. It is a right turn only, this was a few days after that horrible accident where someone else made a left out of there & hit someone. And I have seen it flying down Belle Terre before also.
Laurie says
Names need to be released!
flagal21 says
I agree it’s been a week now. Were summons issued? Sounds like orange truck knows someone.
Me says
It can take between 2 and 4 weeks to get a full tox screen report. The state of Florida will want to cross all their I’s and dot every T before they throw the book at her.
Concerned says
Any updates yet?
What was the name of the deceased? What ever happened to the woman who caused this tragic accident? Any charges made yet? Just wondering……..
Mosey Neighbor says
I was wondering the same thing….