A 62-year-old woman identified as a long-time worker in the Volusia County toll system died Monday after a violent accident that occurred in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida.

According to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, a pickup truck hit the structure at approximately 40 miles per hour, causing the almost total destruction of the cabin where the employee was located.

The victim was identified as a grandmother and veteran worker of the beach access system, who was carrying out her usual duties at the time of the incident.

The truck continued towards the beach after the impact

After the collision, the vehicle did not stop and continued its journey through the sand until reaching the ocean, according to images and reports from the authorities.

Subsequently, the truck became stuck in the coastal area, at which point passers-by intervened to help the driver and remove her from the vehicle.

The driver, identified as Deanna Harrell, 35, was detained by authorities.

The sheriff reported that she had a strong odor of alcohol at the time of the incident, so she was subjected to substance testing and blood tests to determine her level of intoxication.

So far, no formal charges have been announced as the investigation continues.

The woman was also taken into custody under a Florida state law that allows psychiatric evaluation in cases of mental health crises.

A veteran worker loses her life at her job

The victim, a long-time Volusia County employee, was working at the beach access hut when the impact occurred.

The authorities indicated that the blow was of such magnitude that the structure was completely destroyed.

The sheriff described the incident as a “shocking and senseless” episode, highlighting that the worker had been performing her duties at the site for years.

Local authorities are keeping the investigation open to determine the exact circumstances of the accident, including the possible state of intoxication of the driver and the sequence of events after the impact.

Meanwhile, the local community mourns the death of a worker described as constant and committed, whose life ended suddenly at her workplace.