SEABREEZE Tap House Releases Statement Regarding Hit and Run

By Staff Writer
UPDATE 10:20 PM Daytona Beach
A spokesperson for the Seabreeze Tap House has told Behind Daytona the following:
"We are very sorry to hear about the unfortunate accident that happened. As for Chris, he worked on a very part time basis. He had not worked in a couple of weeks and was not working the night of the accident. Again we are truly sorry for the loss." They add, "This is a horrible loss. We do feel very sorry for the friends and family."

By Staff Writer

5:45 pm Daytona Beach

Our sources confirm that a graduate of Mainland High School, Christopher Alan Whealen, DOB 7/31/89 has been named as the principle suspect in Saturday morning's hit and run on Seabreeze that took the life of 24 year old Justin Gary.

It has been reported that the driver of the vehicle, Christopher Whealen, was an employee at the Seabreeze Taphouse, it has not been confirmed whether he was working or not prior to the incident.
Witnesses reported he was heavily intoxicated.
We have reached out to the owners of the Seabreeze Tap House for a statement. They have not yet responded.

As more emerges about this tragedy the story is looking much worse.
Code enforcement issues and violence due to over-served patrons is a plague.
The cost to our community and its families is tremendous.

Daytona’s PIO, Lyda Longa, has confirmed that Mr Whealen has been questioned but is not yet in custody.

Justin Gary's employer, Richard Kitt of the Daytona Taproom Group of Restaurants, is planning a memorial service and has been collecting donations for the family. The date for the service has not been determined.

Anyone who would like to donate to Justin Gary's family can send money to the Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach, where his funeral will be held later this week.

Anyone with information about the crash may text "CRIMES" (274637), or log on to dbpd.us and click on Anonymous Web Tips.
Police said when using a cellphone, all messages should begin with "DBTIPS." Tipsters will remain anonymous.