Thursday evening, Walter Forehand Jr. could be seen doing what he’s been doing best for the past several years as the Hilton Garden Inn’s bartender: managing a crushing rush of patrons looking to get a few drinks under their belt before contending with a political forum featuring the Republican candidates for sheriff. Forehand, his recognizable lanky blond frame dominating the bar, did it solo, like a maestro in control of a full-scale orchestra.
Late Saturday night, Forehand was trauma-evacuated by air to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach, where he remains this morning, after wrecking as he rode his 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle north on U.S. 1 in Palm Coast, almost immediately across from the junction with the north end of Enterprise Drive, a bit north of Whiteview Parkway. He is in serious condition.
Forehand, 57, a resident of North Oceanshore Boulevard in Flagler Beach, was traveling north on the inside lane, according to a Florida Highway Patrol investigation, when he failed to negotiate a slight curve, swerving instead onto the grassy median, where the motorcycle struck a rut, overturned, and threw Forehand off. The motorcycle tumbled across the median and ended up facing southeast across the yellow line on the southbound lanes of U.S. 1. Forehand, who was not wearing a helmet, was likely aided by the fact that he fell in the grass rather than on the pavement.
The wreck took place at 10:30 p.m., temporarily closing both sides of U.S. 1 as Air One, the emergency helicopter out of St. Augustine, landed on the highway to evacuate Forehand. The southbound lanes were later restricted to one lane as FHP carried out its investigation. The motorcycle had left a trail of debris across the media, including what appeared to be a rucksack that fell off nearer the northbound lanes.
Forehand, who’s had a few minor scuffles with the law over the years, had also been the beach services director in Flagler Beach in the early 2000s, overseeing the city’s lifeguards, among other responsibilities. He was at the origin of the proposal for a lifeguard tower, which the city commission did not approve building until 2011. He is the brother of William Forehand, who, with his wife Zoee, co-owns the Flagler Beach Farmer’s Market. Walter Forehand is the father of Alan Forehand, a Flagler Beach firefighter.
In addition to FHP, Flagler County Fire Rescue, the Palm Coast Fire Department, the Palm Coast Fire Police and the sheriff’s office responded to the wreck scene. Roger’s Towing cleared the wreck at close to midnight, after which the lanes’ traffic returned to normal.
Outsider says
I hope Walter makes a a full, speedy recovery.
wow really says
Prayers for the man. Hope he recovers soon.
Carole Strong says
Praying for Walter and his family, such a wonderful man!!!
Agnese says
Wishing a speedy recovery
Allen says
Walter has bee a friend for 15 years. From LeCrepe in ormond to the beach and the Hilion. He is the most honest caring and wonderful you could meet. His two children are amazing young adults also. Please pry for a speedy recovery for our friend Walter
Capt Mark says
Praying for a quick full recovery and comfort to his family, friends and loved ones. I hope he was wearing a helmet and wasn’t drinking.
Rita May says
Hopefully he will have a speedy recovery! His face will be missed at the Hilton.
Marquie says
Prayers for a speedy recovery Walt
DaveT says
Walter get well man.
Rick Belhumeur says
Wow, I just met him the other night at the Sheriff’s debate when he told me stories of knowing my father decades ago. I enjoyed our conversation and was looking forward to talking with him again. I pray that he makes a full recovery so that all of us can enjoy his company again.
Fred Mills says
I’ve know Walter for a couple years, while I was a member of the Flagler County Corvette Club. We held our meetings at the Hilton, and he was always very professional in his service to his customers, and very personal on top of that . Like to think I got along with him well.. Wish him the very best in his recovery from this accident…
Jordan Cordero-Cash says
I met Walter several years ago at a local grill we worked at. He was the most kind man to me and made me happy to go to work. Havent seen him in a few years but miss him terribly. I’m praying for a speedy recovery for you Walter!!
Laura and Chris says
Chris and I are always here for you!! We’re both praying for you and your family. You better get better soon cuz I’m holding you to the plan of us taking a bike ride this summer!! God bless.
John F. Pollinger says
I saw him last at the forum on Thursday. How tragic the way one’s life and well being can change in an instant. Prayers for a speedy and full recovery, Walter.
GoodFella says
Hope he makes a speedy recovery. We have known Walter for almost 30 years. He married “Little Debbie” as my wife knew her growing up. What a nice guy, accidents can happen in a blink of a eye. I doubt that any alcohol was involved, just driver error.
Koreen Menzie says
Speedy recovery Walter, we’re praying for you.
Marlene Beams says
I have known Walt for about 25 years. He used to teach Jr. Lifeguards and all four of my kids participated. He was my oldest sons first boss when he hired him to be a Flagler Beach lifeguard. Our paths always crossed as our kids became friends and we had mutual friends with the members of the Chris Tuttle Band. He has always been a very caring person willing to help anyone. I pray Walt will be ok and get to enjoy being a grandpa soon.
Deb says
Wishing my fellow Hilton Garden Inn bartender a speedy recovery. I’m sure all his regulars are missing him.
Shoregal says
I don’t get to see Walter very often but he always remembered my name, complimented me and mixed my drink perfectly no matter how swamped he was at the bar. Seems like everybody knows Walter…
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
dynad says
Praying for a speedy recovery, xxx
Roger says
Any news on how he is doing? Prayers sent for speedy recovery and to his family.
Sandy & Glenn says
So sorry to hear of the news..such a great, wonderful guy…wishing you speedy recovery, Walter…will have you in our thoughts and prayers…we’ll be there for you…
Gina D'alessio says
Sending big healing Prayers for a speedy recovery!!
UNID'D EMT says
Air One is the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office helicopter
Long hair David says
A speedy recover brother….saw Bill at market yesterday…heard news from a customer…
My prayers are there! Hope you didn’t have to feel any asphalt! And Trikes ok…remember bro…shiny side up…take it easy Walt…bless you and your family….I’ll be seeing around town…you put a smile on me face when i talk with you…..peace brother😊
Pat Applegate says
Hey Walt, Godspeed on your recovery. Just remember all the great adventures we shared with the Sinfonians at Cocoa Beach High and after high school before I went into the service!
Love you, Bro!