Port Orange is in mourning after the death of 26-year-old Adam Smith, a beloved baseball coach at Spruce Creek High School, who died on Sunday when his car struck a line of trees near Yorktowne Boulevard and Hidden Lake Drive. Friends, players and neighbors have turned the crash site into a growing tribute, leaving baseballs, caps and a large cross fashioned from bats to honor the coach who, family members say, had spent three years at Spruce Creek and was the youngest of seven children. Loved ones say they hope to launch a scholarship in his name.
Police still probing early-morning wreck
Port Orange police responded at about 3:52 a.m. on May 10 and found a single vehicle that had collided with the tree line, with one person deceased at the scene, according to FOX 35. Investigators have not said what might have caused the crash and are asking anyone with information or video to contact Traffic Homicide Investigator Officer Meaney at 386-506-5838. Authorities initially withheld the driver's identity while next of kin were notified.
Family and players remember a mentor
Smith's sister, Jessi Ann Ownby, spoke exclusively to WESH, calling him "kind and gentle and loving" and saying the outpouring of messages from people he coached has been overwhelming. Ownby said baseball was "his whole entire life," and family members say they intend to honor that legacy with a scholarship in his memory.
School community leans on each other
Spruce Creek High School, part of Volusia County Schools and located at 801 Taylor Road, lists a large athletics program that Smith helped coach, according to the school's website. In a statement to WESH, the district said, "Our hearts are heavy for the Smith family and the entire Spruce Creek community," and described him as a "meaningful presence" at the school. Teammates and parents have been gathering at the roadside memorial while coaches and district officials work to support grieving students.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and have not released further details. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Port Orange Police Department's Traffic Homicide Investigator at 386-506-5838.
