Gary Robert St. Peter, a 67-year-old Palm Coast resident, was killed and David Zlokas, 64, was injured when their car careened off State Road A1A, within a few feet of the Surf Club condominiums, at 10 p.m. tonight.
Zlokas suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities at the scene, and was taken to a local hospital.
Zlokas told firefighters that that the two had been at a bar across from Captain D’s, further south on A1A, and were heading home. Zlokas was walking around at the scene after the wreck. Both victims are Flagler County residents, with next-of-kin notification in at least one case made to the wife of one of the victims at Surf Side.
The two men were in a Ford Mustang, driving north on A1A when, for reasons that haven’t been determined, Zlokas failed to negotiate the pronounced westward curve at that point and instead kept driving straight, judging from the point at which he left the road and the straight line the vehicle then marked in the grassy shoulder from that point on–until the Mustang struck and uprooted a palm tree and rolled several times as it fell down a slope toward the southernmost part of Surf Side.
The car ended up on its wheels, ultimately stopped by a pair of palm trees.
Traffic was not impeded on A1A, which is four-laned at that segment, and the fire police was not called in since the crash scene was entirely off the road (and not visible from the road, though residents of Surf Side periodically wandered to the stairwell’s lookouts, from where they had an unimpeded view of the wreck but for the darkness. The medical examiner, who alone could retrieve the body, was not expected from St. Augustine until later tonight or early Friday morning. (The body was covered.)
Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office were first at the scene. The investigation was turned over to the Florida Highway Patrol.
as usual says
at a bar key words call uber but im sure they were under 30 speeding in a car that likes to go fast
Sw says
At the bar
Chris A Pickett says
Speed,Speed, Speed. Have seen this car before, and I can tell you speed played a part. It is VERY unfortunate that a person lost their life. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Be careful who you put yourself as a passenger in a car with!
Vicki and Brian Nixon says
Sad.
Monica says
I am so sorry knew the victim, he was one of the greatest persons you ever meet. Will Miss him RIP!
Unknown says
Now why would a 67 year old man speed?
Jan B Carr says
Gary St. Peter was like a big brother to me. He was a great guy. I shared a bag of jalapeno cheetos with him that i will never forget. Farewell, smooth sailing! I will miss your laughter!
Sam says
I had this car passed me on A1A at about 10:00am in the morning after hurricane Ihrma, this is a driver with poor judgement. He should not be driving a car with that much power for the way he was driving. Sad someone had to end up dead.
Jenn says
Very sad I’m sure alcohol played a part in this
EMMETT McNamara says
I know both gentlemen. Gary was the best and would give the shirt off his back. RIP Gary, you will be missed.
Dolores Andrews says
Surf Club III will really miss Gary. He was a great guy and friend. His friend David is also well liked. We are all so very sad.
Fran says
So very sad. Praying for his family. RIP
Darlene m Banks says
A much loved man…
smarterthanmost says
Drinking, and it sounds like he fell asleep and killed his friend. Hell to pay…
Carlos Salinas says
So sad this happened to neighbor’s of mine.
EMMETT McNamara says
Don’t assume
Kathy says
These 2 men were really good friends!
Gary you brought so much laughter and care to everyone you knew , especially our fishing excursions 😍
Love you and fly on angel 🙏
David my prayers are with you!
Jim says
A1A turns 4 lane along that section of road and people drive like maniacs along that stretch of it. If the county ever wants to add a few bucks to the coffers all they need to do is post a patrol car there. They could probably make 50 arrest in an hour.
Bob trohaugh says
Gary was a great guy and everyone will truely miss him.
Rick Kang says
Pray for him and his family and them all the support they need! No Judgement; just prayers and support!
Rojer Perkins says
OR….
Run a sobriety check point.
Ted says
Shame.
Kevin says
RIP Gary. :(
~Kevin