https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/10/25/two-linemen-killed-washington-county-hit-and-run/1759882002/
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Two linemen working to restore power in Washington County, one from North Carolina and another from Chipley, were killed in a hit-and-run crash by what investigators say was a drunk driver on Wednesday night.
A 37-year-old Tampa man, John R. Goedtke, fled the scene on foot but was later arrested. The investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol is ongoing. Goedtke is being charged with DUI manslaughter, felony vehicular homicide, felony leaving the scene and could face additional charges. George Cecil, 52, of Cole Rain, North Carolina was killed as was James Ussery, 60, of Chipley.
A third lineman, 22-year-old Ryan Barrett of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, was hit and is in critical condition, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Ussery was employed by West Florida Electric Cooperative. Barrett and Cecil were employed by Lee Electric Construction Inc.
Goedtke was driving his Ford F150 pickup truck north on State Road 77 while pulling a U-Haul trailer, according to FHP. He drifted off the road and hit the linemen working on power poles before crashing into the ditch and fleeing on foot.
The linemen were hit at about 6:45 p.m. on State Road 77 near Talton Drive south of Chipley as they worked to restore power following Hurricane Michael
Have been in PC Beach since Saturday. Very little visible effects on West End near Bay/Walton county line. We saw some townhomes with a blue tarp, must have lost shingles.
Along Thomas Drive near Grand Lagoon, visible damage to some high rise condos. Pirate Cove Marina buildings significantly damaged. Captain Andersons and Grand Marlin restaurants had open tables. Can’t recall ever seeing Captain Anderson’s with empty tables.