DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. (THECOUNT) — Tammie Jo Baker, of Volusia County, Florida, was killed after a pickup truck crashed into a beach access toll booth on Dunlawton Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores, a coastal community south of Daytona Beach along Florida’s Atlantic coast, authorities said.
Baker was 62 years old.
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Investigators said the fatal collision occurred at approximately 40 mph when a pickup truck allegedly driven by Deanna Harrell, 35, slammed into the toll booth while Baker was working inside. Baker, a grandmother and longtime county employee, had reportedly worked at the beach toll booth for many years.
According to authorities, Baker suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Officials indicated they believe she likely died instantly as a result of the impact.
Following the collision, investigators said Harrell allegedly continued driving across the beach and into the Atlantic Ocean. Witness video reportedly captured the damaged pickup entering the water before bystanders intervened.
Authorities said Good Samaritans entered the scene and pulled Harrell from the heavily damaged vehicle after it reached the ocean. Investigators alleged Harrell attempted to continue driving away before being stopped.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood provided details during a media briefing and said Harrell appeared to have been drinking. According to Chitwood, deputies detected a strong odor of alcohol associated with the vehicle. Investigators planned to administer a breath test and obtain a blood sample as part of the investigation.
As of the initial briefing, no criminal charges had been announced. Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional information could be released as evidence is reviewed.
Harrell was taken into custody under Florida’s Baker Act, a state law that permits law enforcement officers to initiate a mental health evaluation when an individual appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis that may pose a risk to themselves or others.
The crash occurred at the Dunlawton Avenue beach access point, one of several locations in Volusia County where vehicles are permitted to access portions of the beach. Daytona Beach Shores is located in east-central Florida and is known for its drivable beachfront areas, which attract visitors from across the state and beyond.
Sheriff Chitwood described Baker’s death as a heartbreaking and senseless tragedy. He noted that she had reported to work as she had for many years and lost her life in a sudden and violent incident. Chitwood also expressed gratitude that no additional workers, beachgoers, motorists, or pedestrians were struck during the crash.
Authorities said Baker was only weeks away from her 63rd birthday.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision, including whether impairment or other factors contributed to the crash.
MAP: Dunlawton Avenue Beach Ramp, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
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