Brian McCracken, a 42-year-old resident of Palm Coast, was killed Saturday night (Feb. 22) in a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Broadway Avenue in Ormond Beach, just south of the interchange with I-95.
McCracken was a passenger in a 2009 Dodge driven by Michael Riquele, 37, of Ormond Beach. Riquele was following all rules of the road: he was stopped at the light, heading north. He was in the left through-lane. Tinyka Reese, 56, of St., Augustine, was also stopped at the light, driving a 2014 Nissan. She was in the right lane.
Sean Higgins, 33, of Jacksonville, was at the wheel of a 2019 Toyota Camry. He was driving north on U.S. 1, approaching the intersection with Broadway. He never stopped. His Camry Crashed into the rear of Riquele’s Dodge, then into the Nissan, severely damaging the Dodge and killing McCracken (who was wearing a seat belt, as was Riquele).
Riquele was seriously injured and transported to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach. Reese was not injured. Higgins had minor injuries.
“[M]y brother left behind family friends kids all with questions and hurt that can never be answered,” McCracken’s brother wrote on Facebook this afternoon (Feb. 23), “the driver walked away with a few bruises. Brian we were inseparable growing up and what I would give to have just one day back…you touched so many in such a deep meaning way.”
It is the second time in less than four weeks that a Flagler County resident is killed in a vehicle crash on Volusia roads. In late January, Bunnell’s Carl Gandy, 56, was killed when Lester Rowshawn Jackson, 30, driving a semi truck on State Road 40, crossed the yellow lines and crashed into Gandy. Jackson fled the scene and later turned himself in, after checking in at a hospital, claiming he had been disoriented.
The crash in Ormond Beach is under investigation. Charges against Higgins are pending, as is a test to determine whether alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Jimbo99 says
Any of us are coincidence away from something like this. And Flagler county is holding a wine social soon. I will not attend that, just a DUI event going to happen. Whether it’s passing legalized recreational marijuana, or the tired & true method of alcohol, any drug abuse with sleep deprivation will result in it’s share of carnage & tragedy. I wish there was a better way where everyone could have what they want, but that’s not reality, never has been.
Colleen Brown says
My McCrack-alack!!
My oh my am I truly going to miss you!!! You were by far one of the best people I have met in my life & one of the favorites! But u were & will ALWAYS be my favorite co-worker!
This is so bizarre to me & truly so many of us cant wrap our heads around this tragic event.
Bryan I will always keep telling “Our” hilarious stories! I will always remember how u would drop anything in a second to do anything for me! Im going to miss you! Its been a min since I have seen you, but you had those beautiful babies to always look after! As u will continue!
Bryan you were a awesome father, friend, worker and dedicated to everything you put your heart to!
Dont worry your babies will be taking care of especially knowing you are watching over them!
Watch over all of us!
Bryan I love you and will forever miss you!!!!
Love Always,
Your #1 Pita!!!
P.s. Everytime I see crab legs & drawn butter I will Laugh!!!
#OurStories
#OurMemories
#OutbackCrew
Love You! 💗
May you rest in peace💫 🖤💫
CB from PC says
Innocent people following the traffic laws. One killed, the other severely injured.
It is way more than this.
Until the laws are changed that at-fault negligent drivers are sentenced to Felony Jail Time, this will continue.
I realize Higgins ran into these people who were stopped.
But where are FCSO and FHP on a rotating basis ticketing violators on our roads on a consistent basis?
Set up a radar trap daily from 2-6pm on Palm Coast, Belle Terre and Pine Lakes Pkwy.
That should make an impression.
S says
Such a devestating loss. I have a Camry and if there is a car stopped or braking in front of you, it can literally apply the brakes if your under a certain speed (35 mph I think). I hope this investigation is completed thoroughly, but nothing can replace what was taken. Thinking of his family, children, many friends and a speedy recovery to the driver. RIP Brian.