Port Orange Pedestrian Killed After Crash With Pickup Truck Near DeLand

A 46-year-old man from Port Orange died Tuesday night after being struck by a pickup truck near DeLand, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers say the crash occurred shortly after 11 p.m. at the intersection of International Speedway Boulevard and Kepler Road in Volusia County.

Investigators reported a 20-year-old driver from Lake Helen was operating a Ford F-150 northbound on Kepler Road and attempting to turn left onto International Speedway Boulevard when the pedestrian stepped off the sidewalk and into the path of the truck.

The pedestrian was transported to AdventHealth DeLand, where he later died from his injuries.

Authorities said the pickup truck driver was not injured and remained at the scene following the collision.

The tragic crash highlights the serious dangers pedestrians face on Florida roadways at night and raises important legal questions involving pedestrian safety, driver visibility, roadway conditions, and potential wrongful death claims under Florida law.

What We Know About the Fatal DeLand Pedestrian Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol:

• The crash happened shortly after 11 p.m.
• The collision occurred at International Speedway Boulevard and Kepler Road
• A Ford F-150 was attempting to turn left onto International Speedway Boulevard
• The pedestrian reportedly stepped into the roadway from the sidewalk
• The pedestrian was struck by the pickup truck

Authorities confirmed:

• The victim was a 46-year-old Port Orange man
• He later died at AdventHealth DeLand
• The 20-year-old driver remained at the scene and was not injured

At this time, investigators have not publicly released:

• Whether lighting conditions affected visibility
• Whether speed or distraction contributed
• Whether the pedestrian was in a marked crossing area
• Whether any citations are expected

The crash remains under investigation.

Nighttime Pedestrian Crashes Often Result in Severe Injuries

Pedestrian accidents occurring late at night can become especially dangerous because of:

• Reduced visibility
• Limited driver reaction time
• Dark roadway conditions
• Difficulty spotting pedestrians near intersections

Pedestrians struck by vehicles frequently suffer catastrophic injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple fractures
• Fatal blunt force trauma

Even low-speed turning collisions can cause fatal injuries when a pedestrian is directly impacted by a larger vehicle such as a pickup truck.

Left-Turn Collisions Frequently Involve Visibility Challenges

The Florida Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred while the driver was turning left onto International Speedway Boulevard.

Left-turn collisions involving pedestrians may occur due to:

• Driver focus on oncoming traffic
• Poor nighttime visibility
• Limited street lighting
• Pedestrians crossing unexpectedly
• Blind spots created during turns

Investigators may continue reviewing:

• Traffic signal timing
• Roadway lighting
• Vehicle speed
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage if available

At this stage, authorities have not publicly determined whether negligence contributed to the crash.

Florida Drivers Must Watch for Pedestrians

Under Florida law, drivers generally have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid colliding with pedestrians.

Drivers turning through intersections are often expected to:

• Yield when appropriate
• Remain alert for pedestrians
• Exercise caution during nighttime driving conditions

At the same time, investigators may also examine pedestrian actions and roadway positioning when determining how a crash occurred.

Potential Wrongful Death Claims Under Florida Law

The death of the Port Orange man may potentially give rise to a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Fla. Stat. § 768.16–768.26, depending on the findings of the investigation.

Potential wrongful death damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Mental pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of financial support

Wrongful death claims are generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members.

Pedestrian Crash Investigations Often Require Detailed Analysis

Fatal pedestrian crashes frequently require extensive forensic investigation and accident reconstruction.

Investigators may examine:

• Tire marks and roadway evidence
• Vehicle damage patterns
• Traffic camera footage
• Lighting and visibility conditions
• Witness statements
• Driver cell phone activity if distraction is suspected

Prompt investigation is often important because physical evidence and surveillance footage may quickly disappear.

International Speedway Boulevard Continues to See Serious Traffic Accidents

International Speedway Boulevard is a heavily traveled corridor in Volusia County that experiences:

• High traffic volumes
• Commercial traffic
• Nighttime travel activity
• Busy intersection movement

Pedestrian crashes on major roadways can become especially dangerous because of traffic speeds and visibility limitations.

Compassionate Guidance for Families After Fatal Florida Pedestrian Accidents

The fatal crash near DeLand is another heartbreaking reminder of how vulnerable pedestrians are on Florida roadways, particularly during nighttime hours.

For surviving loved ones, the sudden loss of a family member in a pedestrian accident often brings emotional trauma, financial hardship, and unanswered questions about how the crash occurred.

As the Florida Highway Patrol continues investigating the collision, additional details may emerge regarding the factors that contributed to the tragedy.

If your family lost a loved one in a similar Florida pedestrian accident, you may have legal options. Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm offers free consultations to help families better understand their rights after serious and fatal accidents.