A 44-year-old Umatilla woman on her way to work was killed early Monday when the driver of a stolen pickup truck, fleeing an attempted police traffic stop, ran a red light and slammed into her SUV, the Florida Highway Patrol says.

Umatilla’s Crystal Daniels was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 4:20 am Monday, Nov. 9, at the intersection of State Road 19 (Central Avenue) and Guerrant Street.

According to FHP, a 2018 Nissan Frontier traveling southbound on SR-19 ran the red light and struck the left side of a 2019 Jeep Cherokee traveling eastbound on Guerrant Street. Daniels was driving the Jeep.

FHP says the Umatilla Police Department had tried to stop the Nissan because it had been reported stolen, and the driver fled. The driver, an adult man who has not been publicly identified, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. The crash is an active criminal investigation with charges pending, FHP says.

Friends remembered Crystal as a devoted wife, loving mother and “bonus mom” to many who knew her.

“There are no words to truly describe the pain of losing someone so special, so full of love, and so deeply cherished by everyone who knew her,” best friend Moleigh Rainer says on the family’s GoFundMe page. “She was so much more than a friend. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a bonus mom to so many. Her heart was bigger than this world could ever hold, and the love she had for her family was truly something beautiful to witness.

“She was a woman who loved fiercely, gave endlessly, and made people feel loved and welcomed. She was so excited to navigate this new chapter of her life, looking forward to the memories, adventures, and beautiful moments that were still ahead. It is heartbreaking to know that those dreams and plans were taken from her far too soon.

“My best friend deserved so much more time. She deserved to live out every dream, watch her children grow, love her husband, and experience every beautiful moment this chapter of life had waiting for her.”

Family friend Hayleigh Rainer says Daniels had been a constant presence in her life for 17 years.

“When asked what family is to me, my mind always goes to the Daniels family,” Hayleigh says. “For as long as I can remember, every holiday was spent with them. If you knew Crystal, you knew how fiercely she loved her family and everyone around her. She truly was one of the sweetest, most amazing people you could ever meet. She had such a big heart and was always there for anyone who needed her. She touched so many lives and became a second mom to so many people, including me.

“Crystal, thank you for being my second mom. Thank you for always showing up for me, whether it was at a barrel race, an event, or even just to calm me down when I needed you. You’ve been a big part of my life since I was 3 years old, and I couldn’t imagine growing up without you and your family. 17 years of knowing you will never feel like or be enough.

“It’s so hard to accept that someone’s careless actions cost someone so loved their life. You deserved so much more time, and I wish we all had more of it with you. I’ll forever be thankful for the memories and the love you’ve given me over the years. I love you forever and ever, Crystal. Justice will be served for you.”

Greg’s Haystax, 526 Umatilla Blvd., is accepting donations for the Daniels family at the register. The restaurant is open 6 am to 2 pm daily.

Moleigh, of North DeLand, organized the GoFundMe on behalf of Rylynn Daniels to ease funeral costs and support the family. It had raised more than $6,400 of its $11,000 goal from 79 donors when this story was written.