Robert Cronin, a 62-year-old Palm Coast resident, was at the wheel of a Toyota Camry early this morning, speeding east on Whiteview Parkway in Palm Coast, when he lost control of the car and crashed against a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the Florida Highway Patrol reports.
The wreck took place at 3:25 this morning (Feb. 8), just east of Rolling Sands Drive. Cronin was in the left lane, going about 80 mph, an FHP investigator found, in a 45 mph zone. The four-lane, divided road, between U.S.1 and Belle Terre Parkway, stretches for a straight distance as drivers are heading east toward Rolling Sands, then curves. It appears Cronin did not see the curve. The Toyota continued going straight onto the grass median where the road starts curving to the right.
The Toyota traveled 111 feet east along the median before it started rotating clockwise. The car’s front fender and the driver’s side door struck an oak tree violently (the tree was left standing, but its bark nearer the ground was sheared off). The car then spun in the opposite direction, and came to a final rest facing Whiteview’s eastbound lanes.
No other vehicle was involved. Cronin was wearing a seat belt. FHP notes that it has not yet determined wether alcohol was a factor.
Flagler County Fire Rescue, the Palm Coast Fire Department and the Palm Coast Fire Police responded to the wreck. The vehicle was removed by John’s Towing.
Cronin’s is the second road fatality on that stretch of Whiteview Parkway–within a few tenths of a mile–in 18 months. In August 2012, Pedro Riera, a 48-year-old motorcyclist and Palm Coast resident, was killed when his motorcycle struck a vehicle at the intersection of Whiteview and Rolling Sands.
Florida Native. says
Another tragic loss of life. My best to his family. Slow down folks.
DEBORAH CRONIN CARUSO says
YOU WERE A TORTURED SOUL WITH A VERY BIG HEART I KNOW! YOU WERENT FAMOUS THOUGH YOU KNEW MANY WHO WERE! YOU DIDN’T ALWAYS RUN THE RIGHT COURSE THOUGH THE PERSON YOU HARMED THE MOST WAS YOURSELF
YOU KNEW NO STRANGERS AS YOU HAVE HELPED MORE PEOPLE THAN I KNOW. YOU WERE MY BROTHER AND I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER SLEEP PEACEFULLY NOW ROBERT LOVE YOU BIG BROTHER. TILL WE MEET AGAIN IN HAPPIER TIMES! YOUR SISTER DEBBIE
Geezer says
Debbie, I hope that the passage of time dulls the pain for you.
Time surely goes by……
I am saddened by your sadness, it’s been a depressing week…
Your brother sounds like he took care of his little sis.
Your brother will be in my thoughts….so sorry.
chrissey smith says
Hi Debbie, it’s me Chrissy I am so very sorry to hear this horrifying news! This is a terrible tragedy that you and your sister Sandy as well as aunte Vi should not have to endure! Please know all of you are in my thoughts and prays! Sometimes this world is a very cruel place, and all we can do is to try to hold on to the happy memories to stop our hearts from breaking!
To Bobbie my oldest cousin, please rest in peace with your brother genie, and Grandma and Elizabeth!
Love Chrissy Be Free!
A.S.F. says
To Debbie and the rest of Mr. Cronin’s family and friends–I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you all.
Lives in Palm Coast says
May he rest in peace. My heart and prayers goes out to his family. May God bless them with peace.
Amy Brill, Eric Cadden says
You were a fun loving soul and you will be missed by many (“you know what i mean”). I going to miss all of your stories and jokes rest in peace debo love you always.
Sara Lockhart says
Mr. Cronin worked with City of Palm Coast staff in trying to improve the community. He did his research, was well informed and always a gentleman. My condolences. He will be missed.
James says
I don’t see any airbags.
The Truth says
What a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with this man’s family and friends.
Anonymous says
Sorry for your loss Debbie & The Cronin family. I was wondering if your mom is Violet, only because I took care of her at GO’s Health & rehab & She had and I met her son Robert numerous times.. Prayers to you & your family
uncil jim says
dear bobby
adversity has taught you what few would comprehend.
use this knowledge in your new life to make benevolent choices.
i’m sorry that i didn’t make time to go fishing with you.
fare well my friend! until we meet again.
with love – uncle jim
Kay Smith and family says
Robert was my grand daughter’s g-pa I spoke with him a few times, always polite and nice. Seemed to love his grandchildren very much. My prayers go out to the family, his mom, sisters, Son, and his daughter
Nicole and my grandchildren. Love you very much…..
DEBORAH CRONIN CARUSO says
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS! MY SISTER SANDY & HIS CHILDREN HAVE BEEN DOING ALL THEY CAN. SO SAD I CANNOT DUE TO THE ICE & SNOW STORMS BE THERE WITH THEM RIGHT NOW! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
FC resident says
The airbags deployed James, they are clear as the day light in the picture. RIP.