Victims in triple-fatality crash on International Speedway Boulevard identified; each has a story

"Rest in Paradise" reads the simple roadside memorial off International Speedway Boulevard, with candles and flowers. On the handwritten sign are the names Richard, Adam and Michael. "You will never be forgotten."

The memorial marks the spot where the three young men were killed when the Nissan Murano they were riding in struck a tree. The Daytona Beach Police Department is not releasing the names of the victims of the horrific crash.

But The News-Journal has learned them. And behind each name, is a story.

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Richard and Adam Acevedo, ages 19 and 17, were brothers, and were "inseparable," according to their death notice. "They spent every moment of their short lives together. They went to the same schools, shared the same dreams, went on vacations together, and like everything else spent their final moments together."

Michael Elijah Liburd, 14, was an eighth-grade student at River Springs Middle School in Orange City whose smile could "light up a room," according to those who knew him.

What happened?

The wreck occurred near Franklin Street at about 5 a.m. on April 1. Two others were seriously injured and taken to the hospital. The Murano was so mangled, based on photos posted on the Daytona Beach Fire Department Facebook page, it's a wonder anyone survived.

"Arriving crews had to overcome entrapment, an ejection, two trauma alerts and three fatalities," reported the fire department. "Unknown what caused the accident."

The cause of the accident is still unknown. Why did the vehicle leave the roadway? Were they going too fast? Did the driver lose control? Who was driving? Where were they headed at 5 a.m. on Saturday morning?

In addition to the three fatalities, a 16-year-old girl and a 19-year-old man were transported to Halifax Health Medical Center as trauma alerts. The girl was in critical condition while the man was awake and stable, police reported after the accident.

School honors Michael's memory

Frances Roman, a New York chef, posted on her Facebook page a link to a news account of the crash with the caption: "Pray for my Tati, Pray for Miquel Rip Baby Mike." In a later post, linked to Michael's obituary, she wrote: "This is so (expletive) unreal. We are burying a (expletive) baby."

She did not respond to messages sent to her Facebook account.

People's Choice Mortuary & Cremation Service wrote in its obituary: "Michael Elijah Liburd, 14, of Orange City, Florida, transitioned into eternal rest on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident."

There were no other fatal car accidents reported that day in Daytona Beach. Michael's family, reached through the funeral director, declined to speak to The News-Journal.

In a statement, officials from River Springs Middle School and Volusia County Schools said the loss was great and that counselors were brought to the school to help staff and students deal with Michael's death.

"We are devastated by the loss of one of our Gators, Michael Liburd, last weekend. Michael was charming and very well-liked. Everybody was his friend. Our students have made posters and banners to commemorate Michael at school and to honor him at his memorial service," according to River Springs school officials.

Additional counselors were made available on campus last week to help students cope with the grief they may be experiencing, school officials said.

According to his obituary, Michael, aka “Bad boy,” was "such a kind and sweet soul. He was goofy, always laughing, and making others happy even if you were having a bad day. He was very family oriented, loved spending time with friends as well."

"I will miss Michael very much. He always had a smile on his face and he was kind to everyone. May his memory be a blessing to everyone," wrote Stacy Gotlib, principal at the school on an online memorial wall.

Richard and Adam

The News-Journal learned of the Acevedo brothers through a Facebook post on the Daytona Beach Fire Department's page reporting on the accident.

"I am Richie and Adam’s sister. I lost my only siblings in this accident it’s a tragedy for all of us," wrote Jennifer Lynn. On her Facebook page, she wrote, "My two angels 🤍 I lost my only siblings on 04/01/23. Life will never be the same."

Linked to her page is a GoFundMe address and photos of two handsome young men that look so much alike they could almost be twins. The page contained information that was also in the obituary for the two teens.

"Richard Anthony Acevedo and Adam Robert Acevedo, beloved sons of Richard Acevedo and Vanessa Candelaria-Acevedo, and cherished brothers of Jennifer Lynn Acevedo-Segarra, passed away tragically on Saturday, April 1, 2023," it reads.

"Family and friends have delighted memories of the boys dancing, and rapping. The Acevedo family has always been close-knit, and Richard and Adam were at the core of their brotherly and spiritual bond. They shared a special relationship with their sister, Jennifer, who loved them tremendously," it further reads.

The News-Journal reached out through Facebook messaging to connect with the sister and father of the brothers but did not hear back.

Another fundraising appeal

Amy Atkins set up a GoFundMe page with a news account of the wreck above and a plea for financial assistance.

"On Saturday 04/01/2023 in Daytona Beach we lost 3 beautiful souls to a tragic car accident," she wrote. "The boys from Deltona were ages 14, 17, and 19. This was a tragic and unexpected accident."

A message was sent to Atkins through GoFundMe.com and she responded by saying, "At this time due to the significant loss to my family, I will not be communicating at this time." She referred a reporter to another contact, who did not respond to a phone call.

The accident is still under investigation by the Daytona Beach Police Department.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Victims in triple fatality on International Speedway Blvd. identified