HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The victim of a fiery crash that turned deadly in Hollywood over the weekend is being remembered as a family-oriented man who brought joy to those around him.
Douglas Freeman, 49, was identified by his former boss, Mike Stevens, the owner of Topcuttaz2.0 Barbershop.
Stevens said Freeman stopped by the shop just last week to say hello.
“It’s just unbelievable, it’s pretty sad for his kids, for his family,” Stevens said. “He was a family-oriented guy.”
Stevens also told Local 10 News that Freeman was a barber known for his energy, laughter and dedication to his craft.
“A whole lot of fun, a lot of laughs — you know, he was a dedicated barber. He just wanted better for himself,” Stevens said.
New dash camera video appears to show a car weaving in and out of traffic shortly before slamming into another car at the intersection of 40th Avenue and Sheridan Street on Sunday.
Shortly after, a second car crashed into a brick wall and erupted in flames.
Hollywood police said Freeman, the driver of the burning vehicle, died at the scene.
They said the other driver was hospitalized with injuries that were considered non life-threatening. He or she has not been identified.
Lily Pishik, who lives nearby, said she heard the impact and rushed toward the crash.
“I heard the fire start. I was like, ‘Oh, another crash,’ and then I saw a huge fire,” she said. “There was a tree there — the tree fell down after the fire stopped."
Pishik called 911 and stayed at the scene as the flames spread.
Those who knew Freeman had this message to careless drivers:
“It’s not worth it,” said Stevens. “You still didn’t make it to where you were in a hurry to.”
Hollywood police said they will continue to investigate the crash.
