Palatka man drives into canal, dies on Belle Terre

By Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. February 12, 2014

The crash, which ended with one fatality, occurred this morning. (Courtesy photo by Lillian Borges)

Palm Coast Observer
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PALM COAST — Michael Halford, of Palatka, veered his 2002 Ford F150 into the median on the northbound lane of Belle Terre Parkway this morning, around 9:30 a.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

He was pronounced dead at Halifax Health Medical Center, following the creash.

The driver overcorrected after veering into the median, and his car drove into the canal adjacent to Royal Palms Parkway.

Halford was pulled from his vehicle by off-duty deputy Harold "Nate" Smith, according to Bob Weber, public information officer for the Flagler County Sherriff's Office. Smith witnessed the car enter the water, and he jumped in to find Halford trapped inside, with water up to his chin.

"Deputy was able to free driver's legs and, with assistance from others on scene, was able to pull driver out of the water," Weber said.

The crash is still being investigated.