BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The community is mourning the tragic loss of Winston “CalBear” Willis, a Bethune–Cookman University graduate and respected Daytona Beach resident in his early 30s, who was among the victims killed in a devastating wrong-way crash on I-95 Friday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that the fatal crash occurred near mile marker 190, close to North Wickham Road. Investigators say a 2020 Toyota Corolla was traveling south in the northbound lanes when it collided head-on with a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The violent impact triggered a chain reaction involving a total of eight vehicles.
Willis, who was inside the Chevrolet Impala, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene along with two others. Five additional people sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The crash forced authorities to shut down all northbound lanes of I-95 south of Wickham Road as emergency responders worked through the wreckage. Traffic was diverted onto Pineda Causeway while tow trucks and investigators cleared the scene.
Known to friends and family as “CalBear,” Willis was admired for his warm personality, his academic achievements at Bethune–Cookman, and his deep ties to both Sacramento, California, where he was from, and Daytona Beach, Florida, where he built his life. His passing has left a deep void among loved ones and within the wider community.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including what led the wrong-way driver to enter the interstate in the opposite direction. Officials have not yet released details on whether impairment or other factors played a role.
As the community grieves, tributes have poured in online, remembering Willis not only for his accomplishments but also for the kindness and spirit he shared with those around him.
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