Lifeguard Truck Hits Sunbather
August 1, 2011 by UPI - United Press International, Inc.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 1 (UPI) — A Kansas woman sustained head injuries when she was struck by a truck driven by a Daytona Beach lifeguard, officials in Florida said.
A nursing supervisor at Halifax Health Medical Center said Erin Joynt, 33, of Wichita, Kan., was in stable condition Monday, the Daytona Beach (Fla.) News-Journal reported Monday.
A truck driven by lifeguard Thomas Moderie, 21, struck Joynt about 10 a.m. Sunday. She was lying on her stomach in the sand outside beach driving lanes when she was hit, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
“From what we can tell, he did a safe turn while he was attempting to head south,” said FHP Sgt. Daniel Caulk said.
Marisa Caro of Daytona Beach witnessed the accident.
“Crazy, crazy,” Caro said. “[The driver] was a young kid. He was very nervous. He called immediately [for help].”
Moderie will be tested for drugs, which is standard protocol, said Volusia County spokesman Dave Byron.
The lifeguard was “devastated” by the accident, Byron said.
Moderie is a seasonal employee who has worked for the county on and off for about five years. A Volusia County news release said Moderie “has a spotless record.”
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