Volusia County, FL - Troopers continue to investigate two fatal crashes in Volusia County, both unrelated.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, the first crash occurred on the southbound side of I-95, early yesterday morning (March 12th). Investigators say a 2016 Lexus SUV operated by 31-year-old Christian Hayes of Edgewater was in the center lane near mile marker 244.
At some point, for an unknown reason, Hayes' SUV lost control in the center lane and crashed into a tree in the center median. His passenger, 36-year-old Virginia Daye of Edgewater, was killed as a result. Hayes was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in serious condition.
No update is available on his condition.
Later on in the day, troopers say that two motorcyclists, 70-year-old Steven Warner of Tavares and 73-year-old Naomi Bowman of Winter Garden, were riding behind a 2016 Chevy pickup operated by 50-year-old Joanne Christiansen of Port Orange.
Investigators report that Christiansen began to slow down to make a turn onto Country Circle Drive. That's when Warner reportedly failed to slow down and struck the rear of the truck. Bowman was also unable to stop and struck the rear of Warner's motorcycle.
Warner passed away due to the crash, Bowman was taken to Halifax in serious condition while Christiansen was taken with minor injuries.
Both crashes remain under investigation.
