I-95 northbound was closed for 20 minutes late Friday night as a rescue helicopter made a landing on the highway three miles north of Palm Coast Parkway to evacuate Timothy Rudolph, 24, who’d smashed his car into the woods.
Rudolph, an Ormond Beach resident, was alone in the vehicle, a Hyundai Tiburon, a two-door compact sports car. He suffered serious to critical injuries to the head and hips and was evacuated by Volusia County’s Air One helicopter, to Halifax hospital’s trauma unit.
The wreck took place at mile marker 294 at 10:30 p.m. According to a witness, a woman who saw the wreck unfold in front of her, the driver of the Hyundai appeared to be speeding north when Rudolph suddenly veered right into the grassy shoulder. The tire marks were visible where the Hyundai left the road, traveling some 30 yards before gashing through the ground in two quick successive spots and, according to the witness and evidence left on the brush and trees, went airborne some 10 to 12 feet before flipping back down, and crashing on the Hyundai’s flank, on the driver’s side.
Keith and Mary Aaron were driving north immediately after the crash when they saw a woman–the witness–screaming by the side of the road, flagging people down. The Aarons stopped. Keith Aaron, a truck driver by trade, is also an armed guard who’s trained in first aid and CPR.
He describes what happened: “I pulled over, backed up, got to her, she was screaming over here, ran to the vehicle. I could see in the front windshield that there was one in. So I got the hatch ripped open, made sure there was no kids. Usually in an SUV I’m looking for children.” Aaron was initially under the impression that the vehicle was an SUV. “No children. The guy was unconscious, pretty much blood coming out of the side of his head and his ear. Pretty much thought he was gone.
“Went back, got my flashlight, come back in, watched his stomach, stomach was moving, so I knew he was breathing. Kept talking, kept talking, kept talking, finally got him to come to me and start moaning. Good sign once he starts moaning. Kept talking more, got his name, his name is Tim, he’s 24 years old. Once I got that out o him, then I started, finally–are you the only one, is there anyone else, anyone else, he said he was the only person in there so I wasn’t looking for an ejectee. I kept staying with him until first aid got here.”
There wasn’t much left to the Hyundai. Its front-end and driver’s side airbags had deployed, likely helping to save the driver’s life. The vehicle was crushed against a line of woods and brush.
I-95 northbound was reduced to two lanes from three shortly after 10:30 p.m., then closed entirely between 11:09 and 11:29 p.m., when Air One landed and was on the ground. The Palm Coast Fire Police and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office were at the scene, as were units of the Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler County Fire Rescue. The Florida Highway Patrol was due to investigate.
fla native says
I hope he’s ok.
Think About it says
I feel for the guy, but when will people ever learn, speed kills..period. God forbid if he was trying to text too…Wonder if drugs or alcohol was involved…He’s lucky to even be alive after seeing the car…
Sad……Luckly he didn’t hit another car..
Confused says
And people wonder why they will not raise the speed limit on the interstates here to 80+? People, it is Interstate 95 with a speed limit of 70 mph…….IT IS NOT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY, or THE GATOR NATIONALS! Use your dadgum heads, obey the speed limit…..and put your damn cell phone down!!!!!!!!!
Anon says
Good thing there was a witness and the Aarons, and the training Mr. Aaron had, otherwise he might not have been found until too late. Praying for a full recovery for this young man.
Prayers says
I pray he will make a full speedy recovery. Thank goodness no other persons were involved.
Anon says
I didn’t see where he was using a cell phone or texting? Accidents do happen without cell phone involvement.
Deborah Rudolph says
Mr Anon my name is Debi Rudolph I am Tims mom I would personally like to thank you personally.Please call me @ 972 896 3766
Anonymous says
To be honest, they should change it back to 65. Because if it’s 70, they do 80 anyway.
Everybody is in a big hurry to go nowhere, and it’s true the ones who own these hot rods think they’re race car drivers.
Elysia Rambo says
I am very close friends with Debi (Timmy’s mother), and my heart aches for the whole family! They are all very close and the relationship between Timmy and his mother is very special!! He is a wonderful and smart young man and I do not think he was texting or on the phone. This is nothing short of a complete tragedy for him and his family! We are thinking of you all and praying everyday that Timmy and the family is ok!! We love you guys and are truly sorry this happened to such a wonderful young man and such an amazing and close family! Sending lots of love and well wishes your way!!
Elysia Rambo says
You just seem angry and so very negative!! I know this young man and he is not one to be flashy or care about being in a hot rod! Accidents do happen and irresponsible people will be irresponsible no matter what the speed limit is… This was not the case here! This happened to a great person… A hard worker, loving son and a very proud and loving new father…….just sayin!
Anonymous says
I went to school an partied with Tim for alot of years. Y’all take the negativity some place else and be glad he’s alive
fuquita says
Timmy has made somewhat of a recovery after a surgery to put his ear back on. He still has neck and back problems that could likely affect him for life. He is a good boy and you nice comments and concern are greatly appreciated. He is a great friend of mine and he does need prayers to make a full recovery.
Mary aaron says
My husband is the one that help him. I would like to find out how he is doing I think of him everyday.my husband wonders how he is doing please email me [email protected].
Mrs aaron
Ferdinand P. says
Holy shit! Why do people in econo cars think their driving Porsches? Why?