Law enforcement authorities have identified the 23-year-old son of restaurateurs in Flagler County who lost his life in a fatal accident caused by teenagers running a red light in a stolen vehicle.
Friends and family are mourning the loss of Chris Romero, a Palm Coast resident who was killed after a 15-year-old driving a stolen, 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe ran a red light and crashed into his vehicle.
Romero’s family owns and operates Romero’s Tuscany by the Sea, an Italian restaurant located at 308 S Ocean Shore Boulevard in Flagler Beach. On Tuesday, the restaurant announced that it will hold a candle lighting ceremony on the beach in front of the establishment on Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m.
“Christian Romero was a beloved member of his community and his loss has been deeply felt by all who knew him. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor his life and legacy,” reads a statement from the restaurant.
Romero’s sisters took to social media to share words about their brother, who was born on January 1, 2000 and graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School.
“I feel like I’ve lost a part of myself, there’s never been a person I’ve loved more or who has loved me more than my brother. My brother once told me, ‘you are the only person I would give my life for in this world’ and now, more than ever, I understand that feeling,” reads a post from Aryanna Romero. “Chris Romero was the best big brother I could have ever gotten.”
“My brother would want to be known in the most positive light possible. He was smart, funny, and loved the outdoors,” reads a post from Victoria Evangelista.
The fatal accident that claimed Romero’s life took place on Sunday, April 23, at around 4:36 a.m. in Orange County.
According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol. Romero was traveling eastbound in a 2016 Toyota 4Runner on State Road 408, approaching the Dean Road exit. Romero proceeded onto the exit ramp, had a green light ahead of him, and began making a left turn to travel northbound on Dean Road.
As he was turning, a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe being driven by a 15-year-old Orlando boy was traveling southbound on Dean Road, approaching its intersection with SR 408. The Santa Fe ran a red light while traveling above the posted speed limit, according to authorities.
As a result, the front of the Santa Fe collided with the left side of the Romero’s 4Runner. After the impact, the 4Runner struck the curb of the center median and overturned onto its right side.
Romero was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to the restaurant, a dozen other restaurants in the area are joining together in giving 10% of their daily sales to the family. For more information on the participating restaurants, visit the Romero’s Tuscany By The Sea restaurant website.