Picture BY: On The Scene News CFL
📍 Volusia County, FL — A tragic crash on Florida’s Atlantic coast has led to serious criminal charges against a 63-year-old Illinois man, whose alleged reckless driving claimed one life and left another victim critically injured.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Scott March, a resident of Port Barrington, Illinois, has been formally charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injury following a fatal collision that occurred on the evening of November 1. The incident took place on FL-A1A/Ocean Shore Boulevard, near Sandpiper Ridge Drive — a stretch of road known for its scenic views and strict traffic regulations, including a posted 45-mph speed limit.
🚨 The Crash
Investigators say March was driving a recently purchased 2026 Chevrolet Corvette when he attempted to pass a Jeep in a clearly marked no-passing zone. The maneuver proved fatal: March’s Corvette struck the rear left side of the Jeep, causing it to lose control and eject both occupants.
The Jeep’s driver, a 72-year-old man from Ohio, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 73-year-old woman from Ormond Beach, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. FHP confirmed that neither occupant was wearing a seat belt, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of their injuries.
March himself sustained minor injuries and was also transported to a hospital. Authorities have stated that toxicology results are pending, and additional charges may be considered once the traffic homicide investigation is complete.
🛥️ Unrelated Arrest Hours Earlier
In a bizarre and unrelated incident just hours before the vehicular homicide charges were filed, Daytona Beach Police arrested March for loitering and prowling. According to an arrest affidavit, officers discovered him on the deck of a large boat docked in the area. March reportedly claimed ownership of the vessel but was unable to produce any documentation to support his claim.
This earlier arrest added a layer of complexity to the unfolding case, raising questions about March’s behavior and state of mind in the hours leading up to the fatal crash.
⚖️ Legal Consequences and Investigation
FHP has emphasized that no further charges will be filed until the full investigation is complete, including the results of March’s toxicology screening. The agency is also working to reconstruct the crash and determine whether speed, impairment, or other factors played a role.
The identity of the deceased Ohio man has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Ormond Beach woman remains hospitalized, and her condition is being closely monitored.
🛑 Community Impact
The crash has shaken residents of the quiet coastal stretch near Ormond Beach, where locals say speeding and reckless driving have become growing concerns. “It’s heartbreaking,” said one neighbor. “That road is beautiful, but it’s not meant for racing. People need to respect the rules before more lives are lost.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging drivers to obey posted speed limits and avoid dangerous maneuvers — especially in residential and scenic zones where visibility and reaction time can be compromised.
This case serves as a grim reminder of how a single reckless decision behind the wheel can lead to irreversible consequences.
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