A quiet Monday evening in Port Orange turned deadly when a 74-year-old man from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was struck and killed while crossing Big Tree Road, authorities said. The crash happened near La Costa Village Boulevard, and troopers said the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver stopped and was not injured as the investigation got underway.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the collision occurred around 6:54 p.m. at Big Tree Road and La Costa Village Boulevard, according to ClickOrlando. The vehicle involved was a Toyota Corolla driven by a 20-year-old man from Daytona Beach, FOX 35 Orlando reported. Troopers said the driver stayed at the scene and was not hurt.
Troopers' account
An FHP trooper told investigators the pedestrian was walking south and stepped into the eastbound lane of Big Tree Road as the Corolla approached. The driver reportedly tried to swerve left, but the right front of the car struck the man, as detailed by Orlando-News. Troopers identified the victim as a 74-year-old man from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, according to WFTV. He died at the scene.
Local safety context
This latest case adds to a troubling run of pedestrian fatalities in Volusia County this month. Earlier in February, troopers said a pickup that struck and killed a man walking along the shoulder of State Road 40 near Booth Road was taken into evidence as part of that investigation, according to ClickOrlando.
Big Tree Road itself is on the radar for safety upgrades. The Florida Department of Transportation’s Volusia pedestrian-lighting project lists the corridor among those slated for improved lighting at intersections to boost visibility and cut down on crashes, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
Investigation
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash remains under active investigation and has not released additional details, according to WFTV. Troopers said more information will be released as it becomes available.
