De Leon Springs Man Killed in Head-On Crash with Tractor-Trailer on State Road 100 in Flagler County

A 57-year-old De Leon Springs man was killed early Monday morning after his pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a tractor-trailer on State Road 100 in Flagler County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The tractor-trailer driver suffered minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 5:10 a.m. on July 13, 2026, along State Road 100, approximately 1.2 miles west of Bertha Road in Flagler County.

Investigators reported that:

• A pickup truck was traveling westbound on State Road 100.
• A tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound.
• For reasons still under investigation, the pickup crossed into the eastbound lane.
• The pickup struck the left front of the tractor-trailer in a head-on collision.
• The 57-year-old pickup driver, a resident of De Leon Springs, died at the scene.
• The tractor-trailer driver, a 59-year-old man from Port St. Lucie, suffered minor injuries and was treated following the crash.

Troopers also confirmed the pickup driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. His identity has not yet been publicly released.

Investigation Underway

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate what caused the pickup truck to leave its lane of travel.

Investigators will likely examine several factors, including:

• Whether the driver experienced a medical emergency.
• Driver distraction or fatigue.
• Possible impairment.
• Vehicle mechanical condition.
• Roadway and weather conditions.
• Physical evidence from the crash scene.
• Witness statements and any available electronic data.

At this time, authorities have not identified a cause for the crash.

Head-On Collisions Are Among the Deadliest Traffic Crashes

Head-on crashes often result in catastrophic injuries because of the combined force generated when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide.

Even when one of the vehicles is a large commercial truck, occupants of smaller passenger vehicles face a significantly higher risk of fatal injury due to the size and weight difference between the vehicles.

Potential Legal Options Following a Fatal Truck Accident

Although investigators believe the pickup crossed into the opposing lane, a complete investigation is necessary before determining whether additional factors contributed to the collision.

Depending on the evidence, surviving family members may have legal options if another party’s negligence played a role in the crash. Potential claims could involve:

• A commercial trucking company if negligent maintenance, improper training, or safety violations contributed to the collision.
• Manufacturers if a vehicle defect or equipment failure caused or contributed to the crash.
• Government entities if hazardous roadway design or maintenance was a substantial factor.
• Other negligent parties identified during the investigation.

If negligence is established, eligible family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses incurred before death.
• Loss of financial support and future income.
• Loss of companionship and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for eligible surviving family members.

Civil claims are separate from the Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation and any criminal proceedings and require an independent evaluation of the available evidence.

Evidence Can Be Critical in Commercial Vehicle Cases

Truck accident investigations often involve evidence beyond what is available in a typical passenger vehicle crash.

Important evidence may include:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) records.
• Truck maintenance and inspection records.
• Dash camera footage.
• Vehicle event data recorders.
• Driver qualification and training records.
• Toxicology results, if applicable.
• Crash reconstruction analysis.

Prompt preservation of this evidence can be essential when evaluating liability.

Investigation Continues

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal head-on collision on State Road 100.

Additional information regarding the cause of the crash may be released as investigators complete their review.