Trailer door falls, killing DeLand woman in tragic accident

Date Added: July 06, 2025 8:15 pm

A 71-year-old woman lost her life Sunday outside DeLand when the rear door of a large enclosed trailer fell unexpectedly, striking her in the head.

Deputies responded to the incident around 12:15 p.m. today (Sunday, July 6) at a garage at 1710 Hontoon Road. The woman's husband had been operating a winch system to lower the trailer door when a cable snapped, causing the door to fall suddenly on her.

Her husband attempted to raise the door by hand, then used a vehicle jack to lift it and free her. He was able to pull her from underneath the door, but her injuries were too severe to survive.

Sheriff Chitwood and the entire Sheriff's Office send sincere condolences to the deceased's husband, family and friends following this tragic accident.