The Volusia County community is mourning the tragic and heartbreaking loss of Tammie Joe Baker, 62, who was killed while working inside a beach access toll booth in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, on Monday afternoon.
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the devastating incident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. at the Dunlawton Avenue beach access ramp. Authorities say a pickup truck traveling eastbound crashed directly into the toll booth where Baker was working as an attendant for the county’s parking operations contractor. The impact was catastrophic.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood described the scene as horrific, stating that the toll booth was completely crushed by the force of the collision and even flipped around from the impact. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, Baker did not survive her injuries.
The sudden and tragic death of Tammie Joe Baker has left family members, friends, coworkers, and members of the community devastated. What began as an ordinary workday ended in an unimaginable tragedy, taking the life of a woman who was simply carrying out her responsibilities and serving the public.
Authorities identified the driver involved as Deanna Harrell of Ormond Beach. Investigators say Harrell allegedly attempted to leave the scene following the crash but was quickly taken into custody by law enforcement officers. Sheriff Chitwood stated that deputies detected the odor of alcohol inside the vehicle, and Harrell was tested for impairment. She was later placed into custody under Florida’s Baker Act as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Officials continue to work to determine exactly what led to the fatal collision. The Dunlawton beach access ramp was closed following the crash and remains shut down while investigators process evidence and reconstruct the events that unfolded.
As news of the tragedy spread throughout the region, many expressed sorrow and sympathy for Baker’s loved ones. Her death serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a single moment.
