FL Woman Melani Stodola ID’d As Victim In Monday Bunnell Fatal Crash

BUNNELL, FL (THECOUNT) — Melani Nicole Stodola, 44, of Daytona North, was killed Monday morning when her blue 2009 Honda sedan rear-ended a farming vehicle, described as a “sod-cutter,” on State Road 100 West between Bimini Lane and Bertha Road, authorities said. Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies and Flagler County Fire Rescue responded to the crash, and the driver of the farming vehicle voluntarily provided a blood sample to investigators.

The crash was reported to 911 at 11:06 a.m., and emergency units arrived within minutes. According to dispatch notes, Stodola was trapped inside the severely damaged Honda and had no pulse. Paramedics and deputies attempted life-saving measures at the scene. She was pronounced dead at 11:15 a.m.

State Road 100 was closed in both directions while emergency responders worked at the scene. Westbound traffic was diverted at County Road 305, and eastbound traffic was diverted at Water Oak Road. The roadway reopened at approximately 3 p.m.

This incident marks the second road fatality in Flagler County in 2026, following a motorcycle crash in Flagler Beach earlier in January. It is also the first fatal crash on West State Road 100 since April 2020, when a head-on collision in Andalusia killed four people.

Investigators said the crash occurred when Stodola was traveling west on State Road 100 near mile marker 8067 and collided with the farming vehicle ahead of her. The cause of the collision is under investigation. No charges have been announced.

Emergency responders placed a helicopter on standby, but Stodola was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are gathering information from witnesses and examining the crash site.

Stodola lived on Walnut Avenue in Daytona North, not far from the crash location. The farming vehicle involved sustained minor damage and its driver was not injured. Law enforcement continues to investigate whether speed, distraction, or other factors contributed to the collision.

Authorities emphasize safe driving in agricultural areas, noting that roadways like State Road 100 are often used by slow-moving equipment such as sod cutters, tractors, and other farm vehicles.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Flagler County Fire Rescue units worked together at the scene to secure the area, provide emergency medical care, and ensure traffic control during the investigation.

The community has been reminded to remain vigilant on State Road 100, particularly near intersections and areas with farm equipment activity, to prevent future fatalities.

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