Deltona, FL – Samantha Marshall, a former worker at Centerboard in Deltona, Florida, Samantha died in a car accident on the evening of January 8, 2025, She was 29.
The fatal crash occurred on Howland Boulevard, a familiar roadway in Deltona that had become hazardous due to rainy weather conditions that night. Authorities believe Samantha lost control of her vehicle in the slick conditions, leading to the devastating accident. Despite the prompt arrival of emergency crews, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, the weight of her loss is already being felt deeply throughout the community.
Born and raised in Deltona, Samantha was known for her kind spirit and her desire to help others. After graduating from Deltona High School, she pursued her passion for service by earning a degree in Social Work from Valencia College. Her life’s work was defined by her compassion and dedication to helping those in need, particularly children and families facing difficult circumstances.
Beyond her professional achievements, Samantha was a loving daughter, sister, and friend. Those close to her describe her as someone who had an infectious warmth and a joyful outlook on life. She was always there to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word, and her love for her family and friends was evident in everything she did. The loss of such a bright and compassionate soul has left an undeniable ache in the hearts of those who knew her.
Samantha found her professional calling at Centerboard, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families in Volusia County. As a youth advocate, she worked tirelessly to provide at-risk youth with the guidance and resources they needed to overcome challenges and build a brighter future. Whether she was assisting families in navigating crises or offering emotional support to children in need, Samantha’s commitment to her work was unwavering.
Her colleagues at Centerboard remember her as a beacon of kindness and empathy, someone who always went the extra mile for those she served. “Samantha wasn’t just a caseworker; she was a mentor, a friend, and an advocate,” shared one colleague. “Her ability to connect with people, to listen and make them feel seen, was truly special. She made a difference in every life she touched, and her impact will never be forgotten.”
Samantha’s calm and thoughtful demeanor made her a trusted figure in the lives of many families. She was known for her unique ability to relate to children and parents alike, offering guidance in times of uncertainty and hope in moments of despair. Her presence, whether in a home visit or at a meeting, brought a sense of comfort to those she worked with. For the children she advocated for, Samantha was more than a professional—they saw her as a source of strength and support.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking loss, many are coming together to honor Samantha’s legacy of service and love. A memorial fund is being set up in her name to continue the work she was so passionate about, ensuring that at-risk youth in Volusia County continue to receive the support they need. It’s a small but meaningful way to carry forward the impact Samantha made in her all-too-short life.
Samantha Marshall may be gone, but her legacy of kindness, compassion, and dedication to helping others will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. As her family, friends, and colleagues mourn her untimely passing, they also celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who left the world better than she found it.