Daniel G. Torres, 37, of Palm Coast, was killed in a head-on collision as he drove the wrong way south on Old King’s Road near Palm Coast Parkway early this morning. Two people in the other vehicle were injured.
The crash took place at 2:15 a.m. Marlene Adams, 65, and her husband Clifford Adams, 70, of Palm Coast, were returning from a friend’s house where they’d watched the basketball finals. Marlene was at the wheel of their 2011 Nissan Pathfinder SUV.
She was in the left lane of Old Kings Road, heading north just after turning from Palm Coast Parkway when, according to the account she gave a Florida Highway Patrol investigator, she noticed headlights coming her way, evidently on the wrong side of the road, and right about the time when she was approaching the intersection with King’s Way, the entrance to the Staples shopping center. She maneuvered to get out of the way by going left onto the turning lane, but just then Torres left his lane and veered toward her, causing the crash.
Torres, who was employed at Mezzaluna, the Palm Coast pizzeria, drove a 2001 Toyota Camry that belongs to his mother, a resident of Palm Coast’s P Section. Torres carried a driver’s license that had expired in 2016. He was transported to Halifax hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4 a.m.
A Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy who had just completed a security check at the Staple’s shopping center witnessed the crash. He’d stopped his patrol car some 50 to 75 feet from the southeast entrance access to the shopping center when he saw the Camry driving south in the wrong lanes. The deputy pulled out onto south Old Kings to stop the vehicle. The deputy reported seeing the white car (the Camry) and another car avoid striking each other just south of the traffic signal at Celico Way. Instants later, he saw the Camry strike the SUV head-on.
The deputy checked on all the victims, and saw in the Camry that Torres was slumped over, groaning but unable to speak. “I also observed what appeared to be vomit on the driver side floor area,” the deputy reported. Marlene and Clifford Adams, who were taken to Florida Hospital Flagler, had chest and leg pains. The FHP investigation lists as pending as to whether alcohol was involved, regarding Torres. Adams was cleared of any alcohol-related issues. All involved wore seat belts.
Aside from the Sheriff’s Office and FHP, the Palm Coast Fire Department, Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Palm Coast Fire Police responded. Saxon’s Towing of Bunnell towed both vehicles.
Ben Dover says
RIP
Markingthedays says
Will we find out if the driver was intoxicated? From where he was driving?
JennyAnne says
RIP my brother 😪
mark101 says
I’m waiting for this “” FHP investigation lists as pending as to whether alcohol was involved,”.
New Yorker 13 says
Come on people this is someone’s son, brother ,uncle, etc. What if alcohol was involved does that make it any easier for his family who has to read this? May he rest in peace. I pray the other two people he hit will be ok. Take a moment and think how all of us would feel if that was a member of our family.,Like I said my he RIP and may God bless his family. Mr. And Mrs. Adams I hope you’ll recover soon .
Karri Jacob says
Booze or not a mother and family their loved one how bout instead of looking at what he they did wrong and think about those involed and are hit by this pray and hope the best not the worst…..
W.Ryan says
It’s sad news when ever anyone dies or get injured in this kind of way. My prayers to the survivors and to the family of the deceased. May he rest in peace!
Ken Dodge says
FlaglerLive is both a source of news as well as a community forum. If all we want are kind thoughts and blessings then I suggest we just stick with the obits in the local newspaper(s). The greater value of reader comments derives from the ability of to read informed opinions and the opportunity to learn facts which will help all of us to become better acquainted with local conditions. I, for one, have been made more aware of the surrounding issues which impact drivers here in Flagler County. My condolences to the victims’ families and survivors of all the mishaps that have occurred on our streets and highways. And we have had a great number of them, both in 2016 and the present.
Betsy Wentworth says
So it would have been better if he had killed tee 2 people who WEREN’T drinking!?
Betsy Wentworth says
The worst has already happened!!!
RickG says
My Mother-in-law died in a head on crash on Colbert Lane in 2010. I understand the horrific results. Its fortunate that the Adams family have survived. Please always keep in mind the attention needed on the road, especially at night and be ready for anything. Sorry for the Torres family loss.
Jody says
I’m a Freind of Danny’s for over 20+ years and no it’s not ok that he was drinking and driving also I’m glad the couple are ok but I lost a dear friend that if you ever had been in his presence was one of the best soul of a person you ever could come across he cared about people so deeply. And always made sure they were ok before him we lost one the best of the best with the insedent today. R.I.P Cisco I can’t for the day we are together again in heaven.
Danielle says
I will miss you bro, rip your my angel now!
Markingthedays says
Forgive me if I’m not crying a river for an unlicensed driver who was most likely intoxicated and put the lives of everyone on the road in front of him at risk.
KK says
Danny was kind, gentle, and a generous man. He was a good person that did not deserve this! He will truly be missed <3
Wtf says
RIP🙏Prayers to the Family.
Roman lapp says
It’s truly sad that we’ve all lost another good friend. As far as I know he was just on his way home from work. So I didn’t think he was drinking but that shouldn’t matter. A life is lost and that’s tragic. I’m glad the other people involved are ok. But I know that myself Cisco’ familiy and most of Buffalo will be morning a terrible lose
Anonymous says
Geez talk about kill the messanger ! Nobody is pleased to hear this fatal accident occurred but it’s part of investigation pending ,test and report blood levels .Take it easy
Concerned Citizen says
While I’m sorry another person has lost their life this is another reason why not to drink and drive.
Drinking and Driving is a choice you make and usually never has a good outcome. Almost always we see an innocent party affected by that persons selfish actions.
If you decide to drink before you leave to go home please make other arrangements for transportation!! I’m pretty sure friends or co-workers would help. And what is a cab fare compared to what just happened?
I’m sorry if I seem harsh on DUI but I’ve lost too many friends over the years to it. I hope the Adams family will be able to recover from this accident.
kathy hernandez says
My condolences to his Mom and family. I only knew for a few short months. He was a well mannered young man. Lord take in your arms and bring him home. Praying that the couple involved will heal. His neighbors Kathy & Emil.
The Truth says
Any loss of life is tragic and sad, especially at this young age. This man had many years ahead of him and it’s a tragedy. I wish his family nothing but the best during this very difficult time.
With that being said, he made a terrible mistake that night that not only cost his own life but could have cost other lives as well. I find it very difficult to feel bad for someone who chooses to drink and get behind the wheel. In many cases, these scenarios end with innocent lives lost and the person driving drunk surviving. I don’t wish death upon anyone, but I hate to see those following the law being killed in the blink of an eye because of someone else’s mistake.
I do hope that this man’s family finds peace and that the other family involved can put the memories of this horrible night behind them as best as they can.
Shark says
Why do they have to hit some innocent person instead of a brick wall ?????
Diane Matta says
You don’t Drink and Drive to the point you don’t know what side of the road your on!! God’s blessing innocent people were not killed. But sad a husband and wife they start out for a fun night and end up in hospital, totaled vehicle and maybe never want to drive again from fear. So sad!!
Benjamin Bartlett says
Daniel’s friends and family:
My heartfelt condolences go out to you.
May your hearts heal over time.
Lean on each other for strength during this difficult time.
Colleen Viscomi says
You people have no clue how this loss destroyed life you people are so heartless
Kaylin says
This my uncle Sco 💔 and I’m not a fan of what people say about him on here he was amazing man he stepped up a rised me from a baby is really the only father figure I had in my life and everyday that goes by I miss him more then ever this may that just past I give birth to a beautiful babygirl that he was unable to me it breaks my heart everyday knowing I don’t have him and that my daughter will never meet her great uncle
kaylin milazzo says
And this is we’re you are ever wrong he was not drunk at all and for you to disrespect a man you know nothing about is nuts my uncle was an amazing man and will forever be the best role model in my life I miss you everyday uncle Sco you will forever be my angel 💔
KATHY HERNANDEZ says
anyone that could help me with his moms info. Beverly I believe was her name. I have lost my phone and her number as well. She can call me 917-658-5547. thank you .R I P Daniel