- October 9, 2024
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A man driving a white work van was killed early Wednesday morning after being rear-ended by a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who was responding to an emergency call, according to authorities.
Deputy Christopher Crego was traveling westbound on State Road 100 around 6:38 a.m., approaching Black Point Road.
A white work van driven by Eduardo Luis Pacheco, 64, of Palm Coast was in front of the deputy and either “began to yield to the emergency vehicle or had stopped in the roadway for that emergency vehicle,” according to Sgt. Dylan Bryan, public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol.
At that point, Crego’s patrol car struck the back end of the van, causing the van to overturn onto the shoulder. The deputy came to final rest in the shoulder, too.
Pacheco was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the driver of the other vehicle and our deputy,” Sheriff Jim Manfre said in a statement.
Crego, 31, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Halifax Hospital with head and facial injuries. He was scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday.
“We wish Deputy Crego a speedy recovery,” Manfre continued.
There was also a Flagler County school bus en route to Indian Trails Middle School that was struck with debris from the crash. Three people were on board the bus: the driver, an aide and a 15-year-old student. No one on the bus suffered injuries, Bryan said.
Crego, who lives in Bunnell, was not wearing a seatbelt, according to troopers. He has been with the Sheriff’s Office for about 1.5 years, according to Lt. Bob Weber, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office.
Charges are pending further investigation, the report states.
Traffic on State Road 100 was rerouted onto Black Point Road this morning as the FHP conducted its investigation.
For coverage from this morning, go here.
