A tragic incident occurred at Daytona Beach Shores on Monday when a pickup truck crashed into a beach toll booth, killing the attendant. Tammy Jo Baker, 63, a longtime employee of Volusia County, was working as a beach parking contractor when the vehicle struck her station around 12:40 p.m.
Details of the Incident
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated during a press conference that Baker likely died on impact. The booth, described as flimsy, was hit at an estimated 40 miles per hour, causing it to flip. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by lifeguards, Baker succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Driver Detained
The driver, 36-year-old Deanna Harrell of Ormond Beach, Florida, was detained. Witnesses reported she drove the truck into the ocean, and it became stuck in the sand. She was taken into custody under Florida's Baker Act, which allows holding individuals during a mental health crisis. Authorities are also testing for alcohol intoxication, with Sheriff Chitwood noting a strong odor of alcohol from the vehicle.
The Dunlawton beach access ramp remains closed pending further investigation. Chitwood expressed that the incident could have been far worse, especially if it had occurred on a busy weekend.
