An 18-year-old Orlando man tragically lost his life early Saturday morning after being struck by a Jeep on International Speedway Boulevard near Red John Drive in Daytona Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident, which occurred at approximately 12:52 a.m., has left the community in shock and raised further concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. The young victim’s identity has not yet been released, nor have the names of the 22-year-old driver from DeLand or his two passengers, all of whom remained at the scene following the crash.
The preliminary report from the FHP indicates that both the pedestrian and the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee were traveling eastbound on International Speedway Boulevard at the time of the collision. The Jeep was in the right lane, while the 18-year-old was walking on the right side of the roadway. The circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear, and authorities have not yet determined whether speed, visibility, or other factors played a role. The driver and passengers were unharmed and did not require medical attention, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The FHP has launched a full investigation to piece together the events that led to this devastating outcome.
The location of the crash, near Red John Drive, is a significant detail in this story. This area is home to both the Volusia County Jail and the First Step Homeless Shelter, situated west of Interstate 95 and just outside the heart of Daytona Beach. The stretch of road where the incident occurred is known for its heavy traffic and has been a focal point for discussions about pedestrian safety in recent years. The proximity of the homeless shelter to the crash site has also prompted questions about whether the victim may have been a resident or otherwise connected to the facility, though this has not been confirmed by authorities.
This tragic incident adds to a growing number of pedestrian-related accidents in Volusia County, which has seen a troubling rise in such incidents over the past year. According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety, there were 293 pedestrian crashes in the county in 2024, resulting in 18 fatalities. While the database showed 12 pedestrian crashes with no fatalities through January 24, the death of the Orlando teenager marks the second pedestrian fatality in the region in less than a week. On January 26, a woman was killed while walking on the sidewalk next to the North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures.
The frequency of these incidents has sparked renewed calls for action from local officials and advocacy groups. Pedestrian safety advocates argue that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable road users, particularly in high-traffic areas like International Speedway Boulevard. Suggestions include enhanced lighting, crosswalks, and speed enforcement, as well as public awareness campaigns aimed at both drivers and pedestrians. The Florida Department of Transportation has previously acknowledged the need for improvements in the area, but progress has been slow, leaving many residents frustrated.
As the investigation into Saturday’s crash continues, the community is left to mourn the loss of a young life and grapple with the broader implications of this tragedy. The death of the 18-year-old serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by pedestrians, particularly in areas where infrastructure and safety measures have not kept pace with increasing traffic volumes. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s family and ensuring that such incidents do not become a recurring theme in Volusia County. The hope is that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, prompting local authorities to prioritize pedestrian safety and prevent further loss of life on the region’s roads.
