In the space of 18 hours between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning on Flagler County roads, two wrecks involving three vehicles sent three people to Halifax Hospital in critical condition.
The first wreck took place at 4:30 Monday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. 1 and County Road 13, just north of the SR100 overpass in Bunnell. A semi truck was driving south, with Ocala driver Michael David Smith, 58 at the wheel. A 2004 Mitsubishi SUV driven by Joseph E. O’Guin, 22, of Bunnell, was on CR13, approaching US1. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, O’Guin failed to stop at the intersection’s stop sign. The semi truck struck the SUV on the driver’s side, sending the vehicle into the treeline on the western shoulder of the road.
With O’Guin was 22-year-old Cacilia Jean Carter of Bunnell. O’Guin and Carter were not wearing their seat belts.
Both were unresponsive when Flagler County Fire Department paramedics arrived. Carter was breathing fitfully. She did not regain consciousness either at the scene or in the ambulance that transported her to Halifax. O’Guin was initially unresponsive, but started waking up as paramedics worked on him and extricated him from the car.
The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries. The cab of the truck sustained significant damage, estimated at $10,000.
The second wreck took place on Colbert Lane in Palm Coast at 10:10 this morning, involving one vehicle–a 2000 Isuzu Trooper–and one driver, Jessica Vides, 23, a 2005 graduate of Palm Coast High School and a tattoo artist who had just relocated back to the area after living in California for a few years.
Vides was traveling north when, for an unknown reason, she veered left, hit the sandy shoulder, and rolled onto, and beyond, the brush-line, down the embankment on the west side of the road. Her car was not visible from the road at that point, but two lawn maintenance men passing by noticed debris on the road and a broken taillight. They followed the path of the debris, and one of them began hearing the faint sound of music coming from behind the embankment, then saw the car and immediately called 911. Palm Coast Fire Department unites arrived on the scene. Vides’ arm was pinned under the vehicle, which was on its back. Vides was mostly unconscious at the scene as crews worked furiously to free her from the car. She was then transported to Halifax Hospital.
The Florida Highway Patrol had no details explaining that crash as of Tuesday evening.
Orion says
Looks like I’ll have to change one of my bicycle routes. I was on Colbert from SR100 to PCP just yesterday , at 8AM… although I ride WITH traffic, which is the preferred way, I’ve always been leery about cars coming up behind me and taking me out, even with a reflective vest on..Sometimes I think that makes a better target for drivers to hit..
A says
Hang in there Jess, you’re going to be ok. We all need to see your smile again.
Anon says
Why you would show pictures of the wreck to the public is beyond me. With a young woman in critical condition, how untasteful.
Jamie Wood says
Thoughts & prayers being sent to you, Jessica & family. Hang in there girl! Just like “A” said, we all want to see your smiling face again!!
euey says
She will pull through she is a strong person paryers are going out to you. oh and orion shut your face this isn’t about you and this happened at like 2:30am she most likely veered to avoid an animal because at that time there are always deer out there
wow says
bad taste says it all. Take the damn pictures down
Barney Smythe says
euey
Where does it say it happened at 2:30am???
Craig says
Why would you show the pictures? It’s unneeded. Also, good job throwing up your copyrights on them. God knows you wouldn’t anyone else to show how much they don’t care about individuals conditions.
Flaglerlive says
Craig, we don’t sanitize the news, though just as a point of information: a vehicle, whatever its condition, is not a human being.
Jennifer Vides says
Jessica is my beautiful baby sister in law and everyone who says posing these pictures of her car is distasteful could not be more correct! I can not believe they do not take into consideration the FAMILY of these victims!! Yes the accident occured sometime after 2:30 am. Unfortunately because of where her vehicle landed all we can do is THANK THE TWO MEN who took 2 seconds of their time to investigate the skid marks and debris. WHOEVER YOU ARE THE VIDES FAMILY CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR HELPING OUR BABY GIRL!!! It hurts me dearly to know how long she was out there unconscious and alone but those men are true decent human beings and all I can do is hope we can find out who they are!!! All prayers this holiday season to Jessica and the hopes of a full recovery. Wake up baby girl. Come back to us. We miss you so much. Life is not the same without your laugh and beautiful smile!!
Tony James says
Hello, this is in reference to the two guys who were driving by….Their names are Tony James and Danny Bates. My husband is Tony James his email is [email protected]. Danny noticed the debris on the side of the road while Tony was driving. They went back to discover a car lodged in the thick woods. We have been praying for Jessica ever since. We would love to know her condition. Thank you.
jenn says
Does anyone know the condition of cacilia and joseph?
Anonymous says
Joseph and Cj are at Halifax in daytona….I’m still praying guys and hope to spend some goodtimes together again
jenn says
Are they both still critical? I was at the scene and have been praying since. Just looking for updates.
Rosanne says
Can anyone please tell us how Jessica is doing? Her friends in California are praying for her. We have no way of finding out how she is other than this message board here. Most of us just found out this week that she was even in an accident. We care for her greatly and are hurting for her and hurting because we dont know her status.
Lourdes says
I am Jessica’s mom. Thank you for all your prayers. She is recovering everyday. Has head injuries, bruises in her lung and a fractured rib from the seat belt. She’s been in ICU. Responds to commands given by the doctor and nurse. Her body has been healing. Still keeping her sedated. Once she’s awake, I’ll give you another update. Again, thank you and everytime you think of her, please say a small prayer.
vpk teacher says
at indian trails vpk we have been praying for jessica,s recovery we miss having our x. vides in class and hope all is well with him we hope she heals fast and our prayers are with your family.please let us know if we can help in any way mrs. mel
Lourdes Vides says
An update on Jessica: She was in ICU for 4 weeks – recuperating everyday – miracles!!! As of this Monday, she has been transferred to a different room in the hospital, out of ICU! They are preparing her to be trasferred to a rehabilitation hospital for therapy. All looks promising, but at rehab they will be able to see what needs to be done to bring her back to the working world.
Thanks again for your prayers and concerns.
vpk teacher says
so happy to hear the news we will continue to keep all of your family in our prayers!!! Mrs. Mel
I-rehab-u says
I work with Jessica daily. She is doing awesome, has made a remarkable recovery and hopefully will go home soon. It has been such a pleasure and privilege to have worked with her. Jessica is the most beautiful, sweet and gentle person. Love her to pieces.