Local Pedestrian Killed While Walking a Dog in Deltona

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 12, 2023

Formal charges are still pending against a 67-year-old man after he was involved in a distracted driving accident that killed one pedestrian and seriously injured another over a week ago along East Normandy Boulevard in Deltona.

According to auto accident details from deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, it was approximately 12:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2023, when 55-year-old Robert Flaherty and his sister 68-year-old Eileen Flaherty, both from Deltona, were walking a dog along the sidewalk adjacent to East Normandy Boulevard. At this same time, a 67-year-old man from Deltona was driving a 2011 BMW convertible near the 1100 block of East Normandy Boulevard.

Reports indicate that at some point during his travels, the man became distracted when a bag inside his vehicle overturned and spilled between his legs while he was driving. “When he reached down to pick it up, he swerved across the center line, through the opposite traffic lane and onto the sidewalk,” according to a statement released to local media outlets. The BMW crashed into both pedestrians before coming to a complete stop when it slammed into a large rock in the yard of a residence on East Normandy Boulevard.

Volusia County emergency response teams and local law enforcement agencies were dispatched to the scene of the severe car vs. pedestrian accident and immediately transported 68-year-old Eileen Flaherty to the nearest hospital in serious condition. She was unable to survive her injuries and passed away shortly upon arrival. The other pedestrian, 55-year-old Robert Flaherty, was also taken to the hospital and is said to be in stable condition. The dog was unharmed during the deadly incident.

The 67-year-old driver of the BMW was not hurt during the fatal car accident, however, their passenger sustained minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office stated that the driver of the BMW did not appear to be intoxicated or under the influence of another substance.

This case is currently under investigation.

Since 1977, Deltona wrongful death lawyer James O. Cunningham has compassionately represented accident victims who died due to the negligence of a distracted driver. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.

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.