Florida Beach Incident: Man Injured After Jeep Runs Over Him While Sunbathing

The sun-soaked shores of Ormond Beach turned into a scene of chaos recently as a man lying on the sand was struck by a Jeep Wrangler. What began as a tranquil day in the Florida sun quickly escalated into a nightmare, leaving witnesses shocked and the victim severely injured.

The 33-year-old victim from Ocala, Florida, was sunbathing face-down when the vehicle careened over him. This unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday, April 5, and details have emerged from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office regarding the event.

Details of the Incident

The sheriff’s office reported that the driver, a 61-year-old woman, was attempting to back into a parking space on the beach when she inadvertently crossed the travel lanes, leading to the tragic accident. This unexpected vehicle intrusion caught the victim completely off guard.

Authorities confirmed that the man suffered multiple serious injuries as a result of the incident. These included a broken femur, significant fractures in his right forearm, third-degree burns, and a cracked pelvis. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital where he was stabilized, but the extent of his injuries raised alarms about his long-term recovery.

A Victim’s Gripping Account

The victim, identified as Colson Janey, shared his traumatic experience with local media. Following the accident, he described the moment vividly, stating he was left “screaming bloody murder” after the Jeep ran over him.

In an interview, he recounted how he originally planned to enjoy his beach day. “I just got a Jeep a couple of weeks ago. And this was something I wanted to do,” he explained to reporters. He emphasized the suddenness of the accident, noting, “All of a sudden a tire was going over my head. I’m just laying face-first, just crying and screaming.”

Injuries and Immediate Reactions

Describing his condition post-accident, Janey reported that his forearm was broken in two places and required urgent medical intervention. Surgeons had to insert a titanium rod into his leg to repair the broken femur. “It’s like I had two brains,” Janey recounted. “One brain was just screaming and thinking about how much pain I was in. The other brain was kind of being more rational, thinking, ‘OK, what’s broken? What’s moving?’”

Janey revealed that when he assessed his body after being hit, he saw devastating injuries. His arm appeared “flattened,” and his leg was “mangled.” The physical trauma served as a stark reminder of how quickly relaxing moments can shift into harrowing experiences.

Driver’s Actions and Investigation Outcomes

The driver of the Jeep remained on the scene, providing cooperation during the initial investigation. Law enforcement cited her for careless driving, with officers noting that there were no indications of impairment. Understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial for both the victim and the driver.

In light of Janey’s severe injuries, he expressed his feelings of gratitude even amidst the chaos. “I know it sounds crazy, but throughout this whole time, I was just thanking God that I still had feeling in my extremities,” he stated, reflecting on the importance of awareness, even in traumatic situations.

A Growing Concern on Beach Safety

This incident is just one among several vehicle-related accidents that have recently occurred on beaches in the Volusia County area. Reports indicate a concerning trend, as multiple beachgoers, including both the elderly and teens, have faced serious injuries in similar circumstances over the past year. For instance, there was an incident during Memorial Day weekend in which a beach patrol sergeant accidentally hit two teenagers lying on Daytona Beach.

In an interview, Janey criticized the beach’s lack of clear markers indicating where vehicles are permitted. “There’s nothing that tells you, ‘OK this is as far as cars can go, towards the beach,’” he lamented. This sentiment raises further questions about the safety measures in place for all beachgoers.

Calls for Improved Safety Measures

The driver of the vehicle has not spoken publicly, but her husband conveyed the family’s deep remorse regarding the incident. He indicated that she feels devastated and agrees that enhanced demarcation for vehicles on the beach is necessary. This aligns with the views of Janey, who is advocating for improved safety legislation to protect beach visitors.

As local authorities and community members continue the discourse on beach safety, many hope these incidents will prompt immediate and effective changes to policy. The wellbeing of beachgoers hangs in the balance, and raising awareness is essential to prevent further accidents.

Moving Forward: Community Response

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has been contacted for further comments about the incident and potential future policies regarding beach vehicle access. Their insights could provide clarity not only on this case but also on the broader safety measures being evaluated across local beaches.

As for Colson Janey, his recovery journey is just beginning, highlighting the need for continued community support and shared responsibility. With each new beach season, the priority must remain on ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all who seek relaxation and fun by the ocean.