A Sunday school teacher was killed late Sunday morning in a two-vehicle collision in Ormond Beach, according to friends and church members. The crash happened near South Orchard Street and Cherrywood Drive and left at least two other people hospitalized. Family members and members of Harbor Baptist Church identified the victim as 34-year-old Rebekah Patrick.
Crash details and police response
The Ormond Beach Police Department said the collision happened at about 11:47 a.m. on April 26 when an SUV and a sedan collided at the Orchard and Cherrywood intersection, and the driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene, according to WFTV. Police Chief Jesse Godfrey told the station, "Our thoughts are with everyone involved." Responders said a passenger in the SUV and the driver of the sedan were transported to area hospitals for treatment.
Church members remember an active teacher
Members of Harbor Baptist Church described Patrick as a Sunday school teacher who was active in the congregation, according to FOX 35 Orlando. The station reported that the crash remains under investigation and that officials have not released a cause. No funeral or memorial arrangements have been announced.
Local traffic safety questions
The Orchard Street corridor has seen serious crashes in recent months; a separate fatal crash near Division Avenue earlier this year renewed concerns about speed and visibility, per Pedestrian Killed After Driver Runs Stop Sign. Neighbors and community leaders say narrow residential streets and side-street visibility make certain crossings dangerous during busy weekend hours.
Investigation and tips
Ormond Beach police urged anyone with video or information to contact Officer Jack Lyster at (386) 229-7173 or [email protected], according to WFTV. The department said investigators will review crash-scene evidence and traffic-camera footage as they work to determine what happened.
