UMVA has learned that a devastating crash at a Florida beach toll booth has claimed the life of a dedicated employee, leaving a community in shock.
The fatal incident occurred on Monday at approximately 12:40 p.m. at the Dunlawton Avenue beach access ramp in Daytona Beach Shores. A pickup truck driven by 35-year-old Deanna Harrell rammed into the toll booth, crushing the structure and killing the attendant, Tammy Jo Baker, who was just weeks shy of her 63rd birthday.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood described the harrowing scene, revealing that Harrell was likely traveling at 40 mph when she struck the booth, which offered little protection to Baker. The force of the impact flipped the booth, and Baker was likely killed instantly.
Baker, a longtime Volusia County employee who had recently started working for the beach parking contractor, was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifeguards' efforts to perform CPR. The sheriff's office is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Harrell continued driving toward the water after striking Baker, but then attempted to turn around and became stuck in the sand. Bystanders rushed to the scene, pulling Harrell out of the truck as authorities arrived.
The sheriff's office reported a "heavy odor of alcohol" emanating from the vehicle, and Harrell was being tested for possible impairment while driving. The incident has left authorities and the community reeling, with Sheriff Chitwood describing Baker's death as "senseless."
