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DE LEON SPRINGS, Volusia County, Fla., Nov. 1, 2026 — A 12-year-old boy died on Saturday afternoon, October 31, in a head-on crash near the intersection of SR 40 and Still Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
A Tesla Model Y was headed west on SR 40 near Still Road around 2:15 p.m. when it reportedly began veering to the right. The driver overcorrected, crossed into the eastbound lane, and struck a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck head-on.
Four children and an adult were riding in the Tesla. The 12-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, or after being taken to a hospital. Three other children, ages 4, 6, and 10, along with an adult from the Tesla, were hospitalized with serious injuries. Their conditions are now described as serious but stable.
The Tesla's driver was not hurt, and neither were the two occupants of the Silverado. The agency has not said what caused the Tesla to veer off its path, and the crash remains under investigation.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Intersection Crashes in Florida
This fatal crash happened at SR-40 and Still Road in De Leon Springs, FL. Our Florida intersections page covers intersection crashes across Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes most frequently occur?
Rural highways and undivided two-lane roads, like the stretch of SR 40 involved here, see a large share of fatal crashes because higher speeds and head-on collision risk combine with limited barriers between opposing lanes.
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal?
Higher travel speeds, head-on impact angles, and a lack of physical separation between opposing traffic lanes all raise the chances that a crash will be deadly rather than survivable.
How does speed affect crash survivability?
Faster speeds increase the force of impact, which raises the risk of severe injury or death and reduces the time a driver has to react or correct course.
Why does seat belt use matter so much?
Seat belts keep occupants positioned and restrained during a collision, which lowers the risk of being thrown against the vehicle's interior or ejected entirely.
