DeLand, FL (May 13, 2025) – A 74-year-old man from DeLand was killed and two others were injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday morning in Volusia County. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) confirmed the fatal collision occurred just before 8 a.m. at the intersection of State Road 44 (New York Ave) and Shell Rd.
According to investigators, the DeLand man was driving a Toyota Tacoma southbound on Shell Rd and attempted to make a left turn onto SR-44. Troopers reported that he failed to yield at the stop sign and entered directly into the path of a 2023 Ram 2500 pickup truck traveling westbound on SR-44. The front end of the Ram struck the left side of the Tacoma in a devastating impact.
The driver of the Tacoma was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. His name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The Ram’s driver, a man from Edgewater, and his passenger were both transported to AdventHealth DeLand with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
FHP closed both directions of SR-44 at Shell Rd for several hours as they conducted a full investigation and cleared the scene.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the man who lost his life. We also send our best wishes for a swift recovery to the injured parties.
Deadly Intersection Accidents in Florida
Crashes at intersections like SR-44 and Shell Rd are often among the most dangerous due to conflicting traffic patterns and limited sightlines. In this case, a failure to yield at a stop sign led to a high-speed impact, tragically resulting in one fatality and two injuries.
Intersections involving rural routes and state highways can be particularly hazardous when stop signs control traffic entering high-speed roadways. Even a brief lapse in judgment or visibility can lead to deadly consequences when large vehicles such as trucks are involved.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of this collision, including factors such as visibility, driver awareness, and road conditions. Fatal crashes like this are a painful reminder of the importance of yielding, scanning carefully before turns, and exercising caution at rural junctions.
For the victims and their families, the aftermath involves not only grief and physical recovery but also the need to manage medical bills, insurance claims, and legal concerns. Support from qualified professionals and access to accurate information can significantly ease this difficult process.
If you or someone close to you has been affected by a serious crash in Volusia County, know that compassionate resources are available to help guide you through recovery and legal support.
Losing a loved one or being injured in a traffic crash can feel overwhelming. At Local Accident Reports, we’re committed to providing accurate, timely updates and connecting families and victims with the recovery tools they need. If you’ve been impacted by a crash like the one on SR-44 in DeLand, contact Local Accident Reports today to get the support and direction you deserve.
