Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Crash on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville

A fatal pedestrian crash on Beach Boulevard claimed the life of a 32-year-old man early Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision.

FHP reports that the crash occurred at approximately 5:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, about half a mile east of Tamaya Boulevard in Jacksonville.

According to troopers, an SUV driven by an 89-year-old Jacksonville man was traveling eastbound in the right lane of Beach Boulevard when it struck a pedestrian who was also in the roadway. The pedestrian, a 32-year-old man from Winter Park, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV was not injured in the crash.

At this time, authorities have not released the names of those involved, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Pedestrians face extreme risk when struck by vehicles, particularly on high-speed, multi-lane roadways like Beach Boulevard. Even at lower speeds, vehicle-pedestrian collisions frequently result in catastrophic or fatal injuries due to the lack of physical protection.

Common factors investigated in fatal pedestrian crashes include:

• Visibility and lighting conditions during early morning hours
• Driver reaction time and attentiveness
• Vehicle speed
• Roadway design and pedestrian access
• Whether traffic control devices or crosswalks were present
• Potential impairment, distraction, or medical issues

Determining what led to a pedestrian being in the roadway and whether the driver could have avoided the collision is a critical part of these investigations.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Florida

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence played a role in the crash. These cases are not limited to reckless driving and may involve more subtle forms of negligence, such as failure to maintain a proper lookout or unsafe roadway conditions.

Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship, care, and protection
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to include government entities responsible for roadway design, lighting, or traffic controls.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in fatal pedestrian accidents across Florida.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing families direct access to experienced attorneys—not case managers. Our team promptly works to:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Review FHP reports and scene evidence
• Analyze roadway design, lighting, and traffic patterns
• Identify all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

Families pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian crash, you do not have to navigate this painful process alone. Understanding your legal options can help protect your family’s future while honoring your loved one’s memory.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Jacksonville, Duval County, and across Florida.