Tyler Perkins, a 27-year-old resident of Palm Coast, died in a single vehicle crash on Old Kings Road early Sunday afternoon when his pick-up truck went off the road and struck a tree.
Perkins had been traveling north on Old Kings Road from State Road 100. According to the Florida Highway Patrol and 911 dispatch notes, the crash was called in minutes after 1 p.m. when a witness reported seeing the pick-up truck overturned some distance into the woods, with smoke rising from the vehicle. An off-duty paramedic was among the first individuals on the scene.
Paramedic and firefighters responded, and about 10 minutes after the crash was reported, were dousing the pick-up in water and reporting that the occupant appeared unresponsive. Tyler Perkins was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1:16 p.m.
Authorities swept the area surrounding the crash to ensure that no one had been ejected. Old Kings Road’s northbound lanes were closed to traffic north o the RaceTrac gas station, to Town Center Boulevard, until a little after 6 p.m. Southbound lanes were not affected.
FHP has not disclosed a cause of the crash–only that the vehicle “traveled off the roadway.” The area had been experiencing heavy downpours, though around the time of the crash it was overcast but rain had let up.
According to FHP, the crash resulted in the 22nd fatality of the year on Flagler County roads.
Perkins had graduated from Flagler County schools, was a young father and was well known locally, his death breaking hearts across social media as friends and family learned of it: “You touched so many peoples hearts you were a best friend not only to me but to countless others,” one person who referred to him as a best friend and little brother, wrote. “You are an amazing dad to your two beautiful children. You would literally give me the shirt off your back if I asked.”
Palm Coast Citizen says
So young, so sorry to hear. Condolences and prayers to his family and friends.
Laurel says
So sad to read that, my condolences to his family. It is always a heartbreak when someone dies so young.
I don’t know why people are having single vehicle accidents. I do know that when it first starts raining, even after it stops, there is a thing called “first flush.” That means that when rain first hits the road, it mixes with all the oils and debris on the previously dry road, and makes the road very slippery. A vehicle is more likely to lose control on this first flush, so please, when you go out, keep this in mind and be more careful even if the rain seems minor. It may seem like it’s not a big deal. It is.
Kathleen Trum says
Curious why a young man who seemed to have so much potential would want to stay in a town like Palm Coast. He clearly had no future here other than hanging with what was left of the friends who didn’t leave, riding his bikes and driving his pick up. Sad
The Truth says
What an incredibly asinine thing to say. To put down anyone who chose to stay in Palm Coast speaks volumes about you.
Merry Christmas
Bob Green says
You see, there still are KARENS that can’t accept the truth and only add to the flames! RIP TYLER!!!!!
Thomas Miller says
I’m born and raised in this town for almost 48 years and it was a beautiful place until people like you moved here. Maybe you’re the problem with Palm Coast and you should be the one packing your bags and leaving.
Pat pat srpatPatStote says
Did you know this young man well enough to make such a judge mental statement.
He leaves behind two children, perhaps more family and friends.
Perhaps Rest in Peace Tyler would have been sufficient.
God less him and his family at such a sorrowful time.
Denise Pemberton says
You’re very cold and cruel to say something like that following his death … my prayers to his family .
C’mon man says
Man that’s a F’ed up comment, and this is from someone who usually prides themselves on commenting rude and insensitive things just to tick people off for the comments.
Stacey Smith says
Rest in Peace Perk. Prayers to your 2 babies and family. Gone too soon.
T says
I didn’t know him but heart goes out to family and friends
Lori says
Such a loss to friends , children and family who knew you the best. You will be missed- event he fish will miss you trying to catch them!!
CELIA PUGLIESE says
All our prayers for his babies and rest of the family! RIP Perkins. Too many deaths in OKR since I moved here in 1991. I even saved in 1992 a “now closest friend” that they were hit head on and left in the middle of a curve there with their Montecarlo front end on the ground and no lights! I positioned my full size brand new Bronco with all lighhts flashing and beams on on the double yellow line to protect them, as they were unconcious inside their car. Thank God other drivers slowed down and stopped also called sheriff and their l;ives were saved..The driver that hit them ended up deep in the woods inside her car and deceased as she hit trees too.
The FDLE appreciated that I saved their lives by stopping as said most people back then didn’t and a motorcyclist died over no one stopping to call them in that deadly OKR section just few months ago. FDLE said he could have been saved if EMS took care of him promptly. This is why since then I been asking for: How dangerous Old Kings Road is numerous lives have been lost in this narrow very curvy road with no lights since I moved here in 1991! No more millions from Fed FDOT and its dependency FAA to this field foreing pilots training airport or for expansion out west of Rte 100 in vacant lands lets get the FDOT funds needed to widen and turn lane and more roads needed for growth instead! Lets demanf the service and infrastructure we pay for our taxes and not for more luxuries to the affluent!
Eileen Thome says
I knew Tyler a while ago, his parents and my family used to go to the Beach, play cards and socialize together. My Grandson was a good friend of his. We wish his family and friends our heartfelt condolences. Prayers for his Rest in Peace, in God’s arms. God Bless you and keep you warm.
A says
I wouldn’t wish going out so young on my worst enemy, or in this case someone who bullied me. And while I didn’t know him after high school, I sincerley hope he turned things around! My deepest sympathy for his kids.
Vicki & Brian Nixon says
RIP Tyler, Only God knows how this happened. I just know its so sad and our thoughts & prayers go out to all family & friends!!
Thomas Miller says
Accidents are just that, sometimes they happen and there’s nothing that could’ve changed it. But bottom line a young man who was apparently a good man and a good father lost his life and it’s disgusting that some of the idiots on here feel the need to talk crap about him or why he was wasting his time living in Palm Coast. What does that have to do with anything? Or how is it any of your business? And then the other clown acting like he’s a vehicular homicide investigator for FHP accidents happen, bro I’ve seen it with my own eyes after 10 years on the fire department they can happen in a split second by even the simplest of mistakes it doesn’t necessarily mean he was doing something wrong as the report states it was raining he could’ve hit a puddle of water and hydroplaned.