William Lavender, a 92-year-old resident of Palm Coast’s P-Section, died Sunday afternoon when a medical issue caused him partially to drive into the McDonald’s restaurant on Belle Terre Parkway, just south of Kohl’s.
Three patrons at the restaurants sustained “very minor injuries,” according to the Florida Highway Patrol, from flying glass caused by the impact. Other than in the immediate aftermath of the wreck, the restaurant did not cease operations and was doing brisk business in later afternoon, having boarded up the damaged glass facade when the FHP investigation at the scene was over.
According to the investigation, Lavender was at the wheel of a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, a white SUV, when he drove to the restaurant just after noon. He was backing up into a marked parking space in the McDonald’s parking lot when he suffered “an unknown medical event” (later to be termed a heart attack), according to the FHP’s report. As a result, the Chevrolet started going forward, struck some bushes, veered northwestward as the vehicle rotated counterclockwise, with the rear of the vehicle crashing into the restaurant. The SUV came to a final stop facing southwest.
Lavender was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler, where he was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest just before 1 p.m. Lavender had lived at his P-Section home for 22 years. Other than the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and FHP, Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Palm Coast Fire Department responded to the incident, with traffic control by the Palm Coast Fire Police.
Ghost in the coast says
RIP to the man. He made his mark and went out with a bang. Literally. Whenever I go I hope I go in a similar fashion. Taking out a McDonald’s too, which probably contributed to the heart attack, but I would probably choose a mcds too lol. At least he lived a long, long life. Condolescenses to the family and friends of this gentleman. Rest in peace.
Education 1 says
I pray for this man’s family as I was there when this travesty occurred. May you Rest in Peace Mr. Lavender. and many Blessings to his family
Agnese says
Very sad but how many times has it been revisited and discussed about the need of retesting seniordrivers.
ScG says
Wow he had a heart attack. Anyone ANY age can have one. I agree with testing seniors but THIS was not a necessary comment for this situation. May he RIP.
kc says
What test would have shown he would have a heart attack while backing into a parking space?
The Truth says
I agree with re-testing, but this doesn’t apply. He had a heart attack, which could happen to anyone. He didn’t just press the wrong pedal.
Geezer says
Mr. Lavender, I am glad to read that you logged 92 years in this world.
It’s not really a long time, since we’re all short-lived I think.
Bon voyage my good man, and my sympathies to your loved ones.
Leave it to McDonalds to not miss a beat the day that a customer
dies on their property! It was just a McTragedy and no reason to cease
doling out the McTriglicerides and McFatty foods.
Simply McWrong, Ronald McDonald — you are an ugly & scary clown.
You should have shut down for the day. But McMoney is most important.
I don’t want your Egg McNuggets anymore!
noshow says
What’s wrong with you? We should all have our licenses pulled due to the eventuality of death before our demise causes property damage. Duh.
Bc says
Gezzer I love it well stated.