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3 Killed, Including Flagler Deputy County Administrator, in Hit-and-Run Crash on I-4 in Volusia County
A devastating hit-and-run crash on Interstate 4 in Volusia County left three people dead on Saturday night, including Flagler County Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas and his wife. The fatal collision also claimed the life of a motorcyclist and injured another driver, prompting a large-scale investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
The crash occurred around 9:55 p.m. near mile marker 108 in the Deltona area, shutting down portions of eastbound I-4 for several hours.
According to the FHP, a 2025 Dodge Durango, 2013 Ford Focus, 2001 Suzuki motorcycle, and 2020 Honda Pilot were all traveling eastbound when the crash began. Investigators say the Dodge Durango abruptly changed lanes, cutting into the path of the Ford. The left side of the Dodge struck the right side of the Ford, setting off a chain-reaction crash that involved the motorcycle and the Honda.
The Ford then hit a guardrail, re-entered the roadway, and collided with the Honda Pilot carrying Jorge Salinas and his wife. The impact was catastrophic — both occupants of the Honda and the 54-year-old motorcyclist from Deltona were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Ford driver, a 47-year-old woman from Deltona, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
The Dodge driver fled the scene after the collision but was later located by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The SUV was found abandoned in a parking lot with damage consistent with the crash and has since been seized as evidence.
Remembering Jorge Salinas and His Wife
On Monday, Flagler County officials confirmed that Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas and his wife were among those killed.
“Jorge was a very strong partner in leading Flagler County,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “I can’t even imagine the depth of his loss to our community or the pain his children and family must feel. He is already missed.”
The Salinas family’s loss has deeply impacted local government leaders and residents across the region, many of whom have worked closely with the respected administrator over the years.
Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Crashes in Florida
A hit-and-run crash that causes serious injury or death is considered a felony crime under Florida Statute §316.027. Drivers who flee an accident scene not only face criminal prosecution but may also be held civilly liable for damages and wrongful death.
Victims’ families can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim, even if the at-fault driver is unidentified at first. In cases where the driver is later apprehended, families may be entitled to damages for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and financial support
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and protection
- Punitive damages for reckless or intentional conduct
If the fleeing driver is uninsured or underinsured, the family’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may also provide financial recovery.
Steps Families Can Take After a Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash
Losing a loved one in a preventable crash is devastating — especially when the responsible party flees. Families should take immediate action to preserve their legal rights:
- Request a copy of the crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
- Consult a wrongful death attorney experienced in hit-and-run cases.
- Preserve all evidence, including photos, witness statements, and vehicle data.
- Avoid communicating directly with insurance adjusters before legal consultation.
- Act promptly — Florida’s statute of limitations allows only two years to file a wrongful death claim.
An experienced attorney can coordinate with law enforcement, handle communications with insurers, and pursue all available avenues for justice and compensation.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents, motorcycle collisions, and hit-and-run crashes across Florida. We understand the emotional and financial challenges these tragedies bring, and we fight to hold negligent and reckless drivers accountable.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run accident in Volusia County or anywhere in Florida, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
