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VOLUSIA COUNTY

Rebekah Petrick killed in two-vehicle crash at Orchard Street

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SUV and sedan collided at intersection leaving two others injured in Ormond Beach

April 26, 2026 | Ormond Beach, FL

A 34-year-old woman from Holly Hill lost her life in a two-vehicle crash on April 26 at the intersection of South Orchard Street and Cherrywood Drive.

police lightsRebekah Petrick, 34, died after a two-vehicle crash at South Orchard Street and Cherrywood Drive in Ormond Beach.

What Happened in the Crash?

The Ormond Beach Police Department reported the incident occurred shortly before noon. Rebekah Petrick was driving an SUV that collided with a sedan. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

  • Date and Time: April 26, shortly before noon
  • Location: S. Orchard Street and Cherrywood Drive, Ormond Beach, Florida
  • Vehicles Involved: SUV driven by Rebekah Petrick and an unidentified sedan
  • Injuries: Petrick fatalities and two others were transported to a local hospital with unspecified injuries
  • Additional Damage: The wreckage struck a fire hydrant, causing significant flooding that required a fire department response

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey noted that detectives are actively investigating the circumstances leading to the fatality. The sedan operator is cooperating, and no charges have been filed at this time.

Why Do These Accidents Happen?

Traffic fatalities have seen a notable increase, often linked to driver behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, and distractions from mobile devices. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 8,055 lives were lost in motor vehicle collisions during the first quarter of 2025.

FactorDescriptionSource
SpeedingExceeding posted limits contributes to severe crashesNHTSA
Distracted DrivingCellphone use diverts attention from the roadCDC
Impaired DrivingAlcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction timesFederal Highway Administration
Intersection ErrorsFailure to yield or signal properly at crossingsNHTSA

These elements underscore the need for heightened awareness and adherence to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies.

Legal Insights

In cases such as this, an independent review by legal professionals can provide clarity on causation and accountability. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline, emphasized the value of thorough examinations.

“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” Bond said. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this one, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”

  • Prompt independent investigations help preserve critical evidence
  • Re-interviewing witnesses and reviewing records can uncover key details
  • Families benefit from legal guidance to protect their rights during ongoing investigations

Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addressed potential avenues for families.

“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” Formica said. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”

Pending results, the family of Rebekah Petrick may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, Florida, South Orchard Street and Cherrywood Drive, Ormond Beach

The staff of Newsline would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Rebekah Petrick and family

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