The man killed in a tragic late-night collision along State Road 40 in northern Volusia County has just been identified. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) confirmed the victim as 35-year-old Daniel “Dan” Pray II, a well-known and respected tattoo artist from Daytona Beach.
Dan Pray II Obituary Florida – Daniel “Dan” Pray II Death
The deadly crash happened shortly before midnight on Saturday, at approximately 11:50 p.m., near Pine Woods Road—a stretch of highway flanked by dense forest and known for having limited street lighting.
According to preliminary details from the FHP, Pray was traveling eastbound on his motorcycle when an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), heading westbound along the eastbound right grass shoulder, suddenly veered into his lane.
The resulting head-on collision between the motorcycle and the ATV caused catastrophic damage to both vehicles. The force of the impact left debris scattered across the roadway, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Volusia County Fire Rescue and local EMS units arrived at the scene within minutes. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Pray was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
The two individuals on the ATV, whose names have not been released, sustained serious injuries. They were transported to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach for emergency treatment. As of Monday, no updates have been provided on their conditions.
Investigators have not yet determined why the ATV entered the motorcycle’s lane. The FHP has stated that State Road 40 was shut down in both directions for several hours overnight as traffic homicide investigators processed the crash site. This included photographing and mapping the scene, collecting physical evidence, and interviewing witnesses.
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed whether factors such as alcohol, excessive speed, or mechanical failure contributed to the collision. However, the FHP emphasized that ATVs are not designed for highway use and should never be operated on public roadways, especially at night.
State Road 40—a major east-west route through central Florida—cuts through a mix of rural forestland, residential communities, and small commercial areas. It has seen multiple serious crashes in recent years, leading to renewed safety calls from local officials and advocacy groups.
Road safety experts stress that operators of both street-legal vehicles and recreational off-road vehicles must exercise heightened caution, particularly on poorly lit rural highways where visibility is reduced and wildlife crossings are common.
Friends and colleagues of Daniel Pray described him as a talented artist with a loyal clientele and a deep connection to the Daytona Beach community. Many have taken to social media to share tributes, remembering him not only for his creative skill but also for his generosity and easygoing personality.
As the investigation continues, the FHP has not ruled out the possibility of criminal charges. Officials say any determination will be made after the case review is complete. In the meantime, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Witnesses who saw the ATV before or during the crash are encouraged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol directly. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida.
The tragedy serves as another reminder of the dangers of mixing recreational vehicles with high-speed road traffic. Law enforcement and safety advocates continue to warn that ATVs, which are built for off-road terrain, lack the safety features, lighting, and stability required for safe operation on paved highways.
