Man Arrested After Fatal Reckless Driving Crash in Ormond-by-the-Sea Kills Ohio Man

A 63-year-old man from Illinois has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after a deadly crash on State Road A1A in Ormond-by-the-Sea that killed a 72-year-old man from Ohio and left a woman seriously injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, just south of Sandpiper Ridge Drive, when the driver of a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette, identified as Scott March, attempted to illegally pass a Jeep Wrangler in a no-passing zone.

Troopers say both vehicles were traveling northbound on A1A when March’s Corvette struck the left rear of the Jeep Wrangler while trying to overtake it. The impact caused the Jeep to overturn, ejecting both occupants.

The driver of the Jeep, a 72-year-old Ohio man, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his 73-year-old passenger from Ormond Beach was airlifted to Halifax Health Medical Center with serious injuries.

Neither victim was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to FHP.

March sustained minor injuries and was transported to the same hospital before being arrested on felony charges, including:

• Vehicular homicide for causing death through reckless operation of a vehicle.
• Reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.

He is currently being held pending formal arraignment.

The Florida Highway Patrol classifies reckless driving as one of the most serious traffic violations, often resulting in felony charges when death or serious injury occurs.

Under Florida Statute §316.192, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle “with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Examples include:

• Excessive speeding in residential or no-passing zones.
• Aggressive or improper lane changes.
• Tailgating or attempting to force another vehicle off the road.
• Street racing or weaving through traffic.

When reckless behavior results in death, it becomes vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and significant fines.

In this case, investigators say March’s decision to pass in a no-passing zone on a narrow, coastal roadway was both unlawful and highly dangerous.

Legal Implications and Civil Liability

In addition to facing criminal charges, March may also face civil liability for wrongful death and personal injury damages under Florida law.

The victim’s surviving family may pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26), seeking compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and emotional support
• Pain and suffering of surviving relatives
• Lost income and future financial contributions
• Medical costs related to the crash

Similarly, the injured passenger may file a personal injury lawsuit for:

• Hospitalization and treatment costs
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life

In both cases, the civil standard of proof — preponderance of the evidence — is lower than in criminal court, meaning families can still hold the at-fault driver accountable even if criminal proceedings are ongoing.

Holding Reckless Drivers Accountable

Reckless driving is one of the most preventable causes of fatal accidents. Yet, each year, thousands of Florida families lose loved ones because of impatient or aggressive drivers who ignore traffic laws.

When these tragedies occur, a wrongful death attorney can help:

• Investigate police and FHP crash reports.
• Obtain black box and roadway evidence.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts.
• Negotiate with insurance carriers for fair compensation.
• File civil claims against the at-fault driver and their insurer.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in reckless driving, speeding, or no-passing-zone collisions throughout Florida.

Our attorneys are highly experienced in complex wrongful death litigation, particularly cases involving criminal defendants and ongoing FHP investigations.

When you hire our firm, you receive:

• Direct access to an attorney — not case managers or call centers.
• A thorough independent investigation into what caused the crash.
• No fees unless we win your case.
• Bilingual legal representation (English and Spanish).
• Compassionate, results-driven advocacy for your family.

We understand that no amount of money can undo the loss of a loved one, but accountability and justice can help families find closure and financial security in the aftermath of tragedy.

Contact a Florida Wrongful Death and Car Accident Attorney

If you lost a loved one in a reckless driving crash — like the one in Ormond-by-the-Sea — the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are ready to help.

You pay no legal fees unless we win your case, and we handle every detail of the investigation and litigation so you can focus on your family.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we fight for justice — because every life lost to reckless driving deserves accountability.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.