Local News
34-year-old Rebekah Petrick killed in Ormond Beach crash
ORMOND BEACH, Florida — A 34-year-old woman from Holly Hill was killed Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash at a busy Ormond Beach intersection, according to the Ormond Beach Police Department.
Officers responded at approximately 11:47 a.m. on April 26, 2026, to the intersection of South Orchard Street and Cherrywood Drive following reports of a collision involving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a sedan.
Authorities identified the SUV driver as Rebekah Petrick, 34, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash remains under active investigation as officials work to determine the cause.
Police confirmed that a passenger in the SUV and the driver of the sedan were both injured and transported to a nearby hospital.
Their conditions have not been fully disclosed.
The sedan driver is cooperating with investigators, officials said.
“Our thoughts are with everyone involved,” said Jesse Godfrey. “This remains an active investigation, and we are diligently working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.”
According to family and community members, Petrick was returning home from church at the time of the crash.
She was a member of Harbor Baptist Church, where her father serves as pastor. Church members described her as an active participant in community and faith-based activities.
Petrick also worked as a marketing director for Chick-fil-A, where she was involved in outreach efforts. She was known for teaching children’s classes at her church and participating in a family musical group.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact investigators. Tips can be directed to Officer Jack Lyster via email at Jack.Lyster@ormondbeach.org or by phone at (386) 229-7173.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.