DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, FL – A tragic accident claimed the life of a longtime county worker Monday afternoon after a pickup truck slammed into a beach access toll booth at high speed.
Fatal Impact at Beach Access Ramp
The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. at the Dunlawton Avenue beach access ramp. Volusia Sheriff’s Office reported that a pickup truck, traveling at an estimated 40 mph, rammed directly into the toll booth structure.
The victim inside was identified as Tammy Jo Baker, who was just a few weeks shy of her 63rd birthday. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated that the force of the collision flipped the booth completely. Despite lifeguards rushing to perform CPR, Baker was pronounced dead at the scene from the impact.
Driver Attempted to Flee in Sand
Following the crash, the driver—identified as 35-year-old Deanna Harrell—continued driving the truck down toward the ocean. Authorities say she attempted to turn the vehicle around on the shoreline but became stuck in the sand.
Bystanders quickly rushed to the truck and pulled Harrell out of the vehicle before law enforcement arrived.
Investigation and Impairment Tests
Sheriff Chitwood confirmed that investigators detected a “heavy odor of alcohol” coming from the vehicle. Harrell was taken into custody and is undergoing testing for driving under the influence (DUI).
Baker was a well-known, longtime employee with Volusia County who had recently transitioned to working for the beach parking contractor. Officials have called the fatal incident entirely “senseless” as criminal charges remain pending.
