Fatal beach toll booth crash: Sheriff gives timeline, multiple reports of reckless driving ahead of crash
The woman who was killed on Monday after a truck slammed into the toll booth she was in had been in the booth for less than two minutes, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said in a news conference Tuesday. The victim, 62-year-old Tammie Jo Baker, was seen on camera entering the booth just before a pickup truck traveling eastbound on Dunlawton Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores crashed into it. The truck then continued onto the beach before coming to a stop in the water.Chitwood said the impact flipped and crushed the toll booth. Lifeguards and paramedics attempted to save Baker, but she did not survive. The driver, identified as 36-year-old Deanna Harrell of Ormond Beach, was taken into custody and tested for impairment.Chitwood said he could smell alcohol inside the vehicle.New details, reckless driving Chitwood said multiple people called 911 before the crash reporting a reckless driver who was swerving, nearly hitting several other cars. Chitwood said Harrell had been at work that morning but was sent home because it was slow. Harrell then went to a lounge where she had several drinks. Harrell is in custody under a Baker Act after making comments about taking her own life. Video shows crash >> Warning: The video is graphic Honoring BakerLoved ones gathered at the beach Tuesday to honor Baker, bringing flowers, including sunflowers from her garden, and sharing memories of her life."She loved her animals. She loved her garden. She was the glue of the family. She loved the beach. All the holidays were at her house," Baker's family said.
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