RSSDriver Convicted for Fatal Street Racing Crash in Ormond Beach
After three and a half years of waiting and countless tears shed, the family and friends of an Ormond Beach woman can hopefully feel a sense of closure this week after the driver responsible for her death was convicted of vehicular homicide by a Volusia County jury.
According to Volusia County court filings, the Seventh Judicial Circuit found 27-year-old Erik Worthington guilty of vehicular homicide on Wednesday for his direct connection to a street racing accident that claimed the life of 73-year-old Ormond Beach resident Mary Spanos on June 4, 2019.
Details from the initial auto accident indicate that it was shortly after 3 p.m. when 27-year-old South Daytona Beach resident Erik Worthington was racing a Subaru in the northbound direction of Nova Road while driving a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. As the two drivers approached the intersection of Shadow Lakes Boulevard while reaching speeds of 114 miles per hour, 73-year-old Mary Spanos entered the area in her Cadillac SUV.
It was as the 73-year-old victim was attempting to turn left from Shadow Lakes Boulevard onto Nova Road that her SUV was struck nearly head-on by Worthington’s Camaro. The force from the impact caused the sport utility vehicle to spin out and roll over before finally coming to a complete stop in the street.
Authorities with the Ormond Beach Police Department and Volusia County emergency responders were dispatched to the scene of the high-speed crash and immediately transported the severely injured 73-year-old to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. She managed to fight for her life for seven hours before passing away from her injuries.
Dash cam footage from another motorist and witness statements were key pieces of evidence in Worthington’s three-day trial. Although he has denied his involvement, local bystanders indicated that both he and the driver of the Subaru could be heard revving their engines at a stop light shortly before the fatal collision occurred. Erik Worthington now faces up to fifteen years in prison. The date for his sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
“It must be exceptionally difficult to endure a trial of this nature during this time of year. I sincerely hope they find some peace in the fact that the defendant is being held accountable for his reckless and deadly actions,” said State Attorney R.J. Larizza.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.