A pickup truck traveling eastbound on Dunlawton Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores around 12:40 p.m. struck a beach ramp toll booth just before 1 p.m. Monday, killing the attendant inside.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood identified the victim as Tammy Jo Baker, who had worked for the county for decades. The truck was going at least 40 mph at the time of impact. After crushing the booth, the truck continued onto the beach and into the ocean before getting stuck in the sand at high tide.
Chitwood called the crash senseless and said Baker was loved by many and was a provider for her family. Witnesses told the sheriff’s office the crash sounded like an explosion.
The driver, identified as Deanna Harrell of Ormond Beach, has been detained. The sheriff’s office said Harrell was to be tested for impairment. The driver was later placed under the Baker Act while the traffic homicide investigation continues. The Dunlawton Beach access ramp will remain closed until further notice.
