One person was killed, another critically injured in a crash at Mile Marker 297 on I-95 near the Flagler-St. Johns County line around 7 this morning (Sept. 2).
The victims were identified as Aaron Dalton, 29, who was killed, and Noah Chavez, 18, who is in critical condition. It isn’t yet clear who of the two was driving.
The crash, in the northbound lanes, was causing a significant back-up into the Flagler County portion of the highway this morning as crews and investigators worked the scene.
The single-vehicle crash involved a Dodge Ram pick-up truck that, witnesses said, had been traveling north in the center lane when it swerved to the outside lane to pass another vehicle. The Dodge lost control on wet pavement and began rotating while traveling to the right of the road, according to a preliminary investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Dodge flipped several times, coming to rest on its roof against a wire fence on the east side of the Interstate. Both Dalton and Chavez were ejected, FHP reported.
Chavez was taken to UF Health hospital in Jacksonville.
The three northbound lanes of I-95 were reduced to one lane as the Palm Coast Fire Police regulated traffic around the crash.
Crews from the St. Johns County Fire Department, Flagler County Fire Rescue, and the Palm Coast Fire Department responded to the crash–the first serious traffic incident of the Labor Day weekend on local roads. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.
Veteran says
Speeding and/or reckless driving either by him or someone else.
Born and Raised Here says
Texting, maybe ?
Tita says
Too quick to judge!
Lou says
I’m glad that this reckless driver didn’t kill or injured innocent people.
Jenn says
How do you know they were speeding where you in the car? The roads were wet. People really need to stop jumping to conclusions. Prayers going out to those who lost a loved one and those who were injured.
Sw says
Not watching where the vehicle was headed, ie txting,phone smoking, talking ..Only drive its what keeps you alive
Jasmine Dalton says
I just wanted to say thank you my husband will be dearly missed and brother is strong and will pull through. Thank you for being the only one with kind words.
Patricia cusano says
Wow!!! Just wow!!! Why say anything? Why be negative?
Patricia cusano says
Jazz!!!! WTF??? Frank just woke me and told me!!!!! I am beyond words right now!!!! I am so sorry for your loss!!! I love you girl!!!!
Spike Walton says
My heart goes out to the loved ones of these two young men. I can’t imagine receiving that call. May you find comfort in the memories. Praying for full recovery for the other party. Godspeed, Spike
nomorepitbulls says
Jasmine I am so sorry for your loss!
I wish your family peace.
Outsider says
Mrs. Dalton, I am so sorry for your loss, and may Mr. Chavez make a full recovery. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Michelle Jeannettes mom says
Jazmin, I am so sorry. I just have no words as to what happened. I’m still in shock. All I can say is just try to stay calm and be strong for your baby now that he is Aarons legacy. I am not even going to try to tell you that I know what your going through. I don’t. I would probably be just a huge mess. But you are strong and you have your family and friends there to help you. Just know that we are praying for you to be strong and that your brother Noah can recuperate as soon as possible. If you need ANYTHING, just let me know. I may not be able to be there for you physically, but I will be there for you in heart. My condolences to you and your family, his family and all of your friends who knew him.
Kim Medina says
Jasmine
I’m not hreat with words, but I wanted to say I am so sorry this accident happened. I really wish there was more we could have done for both your brother and your husband. I am so glad to hear your brother didn’t pass and will be praying he makes a full recovery. Although it was a horrific scene to witness, I believe your husbands passing was quick and painless. Please know my thoughts are with you and your loved ones this holiday weekend and will be until eternity.
Charlie says
I was the one that called 911 let me start and say they were not speeding they were right in front of my car about 75 feet they swerved from the middle lane to the right lane and lost control. I am so sorry for your loss this is the first time I have ever seen something like this me and my family is traumatized I stayed with Aaron while we were waiting for the ambulance and my family stayed with Noah until the helicopter arrived. I pray you and your family find peace and pray your brother has a spreading recover
Deana says
I’m so sorry for your loss. We drove past the accident after it happened. It was on my mind all day yesterday. I pray for you and your family, Jasmine. I’m happy the above person Charlie was with them. I’m sure it was comforting for them.
JasonB says
They were not speeding? If they lost control, they were driving too fast for the wet condition of the road. I’m guessing no seat belts either?
T Roy says
Shame really, none of us will know what really happened but those two. We should not be quick to judge. I noticed a front wheel missing in the photo. It is possible that a mechanical failure caused this to happen. We also don’t know why they were ejected. I have seen accidents where the impact was so severe that the seat belts sheared and the occupants were thrown anyway. I don’t know why people are so quick to lay blame when they were not even there?
Anyway, I hope both families and their loved ones can find solace and hopefully Mr. Chavez makes a full recovery. Blessings to all.
Noah Chavez says
I’m the one survivor from the crash. I’d like to thank anyone for their positivity and my recovery. For those talking down upon me and Aaron fuck off! I lost complete memory of the event and would like to give a special thanks Charlie and to those who spread positivity to my sister. Aaron may have been married to my sister but he was my brother! Thank you all :)