- February 13, 2025
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Updated May 27
A car crashed into Wendy’s Restaurant, 75 Williamson Blvd., at 3:14 a.m. on May 25, killing the driver, Woodrow W. Fennell, 41, 420 Lake Bridge Plaza Drive, according to Ormond Beach police.
A report issued by police on May 27 said that the crash was the result of the driver having a “heart-related episode.” The medical examiner reported that he had heart disease. The driver had minor injuries in the crash, according to the report.
Fennell was on his paper delivery route for The News-Journal at the Sleep Inn, 170 Williamson Blvd., across from the restaurant. Witnesses told police that he left the parking lot in an easterly direction at a high rate of speed in his Hyundai Santa Fe. The car crossed the southbound lanes of Williamson Boulevard, went over the median, and crossed the northbound lanes. It then went over the curb and sidewalk into the Wendy’s parking lot and crashed into the west side of the building, between the entrance and the drive-thru window. The vehicle completely entered the dining area before coming to a stop.
A worker at a nearby Denny’s Restaurant, Alicia Guerrere, was outside when the car crossed Williamson at a high rate of speed. She said it never slowed down as it bumped across the median and the sidewalk and then into the building.
Fennell was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, the police report said. A police spokesman said he suspects the driver had a medical incident, but the investigation is continuing.
Later that morning, the restaurant was closed and workers were assessing damage. One of the workmen who did not want to be identified said the damage was significant but he did not know if there was structural damage.
