Preston Hagens is a humorous 18 year old at Flagler Palm Coast High School who celebrated his birthday five weeks ago. “You have made me and your dad so proud of you in all that you have accomplished for yourself,” his mother, Deborah, wrote on his Facebook wall that day, in the middle of a steady rain of birthday wishes.
At 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon Preston was driving west on State Road 100, near the high school. He was in his 1990 Chevy pick-up.
Traveling in the opposite direction were Nathaniel Columbie, a 22-year-old resident of Palm Coast, and Jessica Laliberte, 21, of Palatka. Columbie was at the wheel of a 2006 Ford Mustang. He was in the inside lane. It was raining. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Columbie accelerated “within traffic, but lost control on the wet roadway.”
Columbie was taken to Halifax Hospital in serious condition. Laliberte was initially taken to Florida Hospital Flagler, then transferred to Halifax, in serious condition. Hagens was also taken to Florida Hospital Flagler in serious condition.
The westbound lanes of SR100 were both closed for two hours as the highway patrol investigated the crash. “Next to the high school to see my friend’s truck completely totalled and an even worse off brand new mustang,” Jessica Blake messaged her Facebook friends as she drove by the scene. “I’m like shaking.”
The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash. Trooper Christopher Conrad is asking witnesses to call FHP at 904/825-5080 with any information.
The Truth says
My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved. I don’t know if speed was involved or if it was just a slick roadway, but let’s hope everyone involved will make it through.
Layla says
Prayers going up for all 3 and their families. To those who know them, send them our love, please.
Nancy N. says
I was one of the last two cars that traveled through the Town Center Blvd intersection on WB 100 towards the accident scene before FCSO arrived and closed the road behind us. The road was blocked near import autos – WB traffic had to u-turn through a turn lane and go back east. Visibility was awful due to the wet roads from the recent heavy rain (no idea if it was actively raining at the time of the incident). It was truly a terrible looking scene – emergency vehicles were still arriving. Really hope all of the injured recover.
uncle carl says
preston my prayers and thoughts are with youy and the familys of the others involed call us if you need anything
LisaS. says
Copied from the article – Jessica Blake messaged her Faceboook friends as she drove by the scene.
PLEASE stop! While my heart breaks for those involved in this accident, messaging friends about it while driving is NOT going to help the situation and puts the texter and everyone else on the road at higher risk for another accident.
Anonymous says
I agree that texting and driving are wrong. However, Jessica was a passenger in the car while she was texting. Not the driver.
friend says
LisaS – Jessica does not have a car, she has to catch rides and was a passenger in the car s it drove by this accident.
GoodFella says
Hope all three make it ok, just shows you how fast things can happen. Enjoy every day as it may be your last!
Jim says
Too much horsepower not enough driving skill. Columbie accelerated “within traffic, but lost control on the wet roadway.” Doing this on wet pavement is not a smart idea now there are three people in the hospital..
Anonymous says
Yeah Jessica was not the driver, she doesn’t have her permit or license so she was most definitely the passenger in the vehicle
B.M says
My Thought and Prayers go out to Everyone.