Accident on 331

**organicmama** · 06-04-2009, 04:09 PM

This is happening now. This is the information I have. Wanted to get it out due to the serious nature and the time of day.

Kevin at the (WZEP) newsdesk.

Accident

An accident around 3:30pm Thursday afternoon between a dump truck and an SUV sent several to the hospital and one had to be set free. The accident also took the life of at least one. The patients included small children. The accident happened between the dump truck and an SUV on Highway 331 south near Bay Grove Road, just north of the bridge. Emergency responders were called the scene with a possible entrapment. When they arrived, they found one individual entrapped and had to call for additional equipment to free the patient. AirHeart 3 was dispatched and is landing now. It also appreas Gulf-Flight 1 is also in route.

Freeport Fire and Walton County Fire-Rescue were the main responders. Animal control was also needed at the scene. The FHP is investigating and we should have more information later.

**ShallowsNole** · 06-04-2009, 04:13 PM

Unofficially, I am hearing that the road has been cleared, but there is one fatality.

**RepeatAuctions** · 06-04-2009, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by ShallowsNole

Unofficially, I am hearing that the road has been cleared, but there is one fatality.

Unfortunately, I listened to the user above that was posted at 4:13. It is now 5:43 and the road is not cleared. I REPEAT>>>THE ROAD IS NOT CLEARED! The WCSO is directing traffic through Chat Holley to go around either by Panama City or Destin. I was told by the officer that the road would possibly remain closed for another 2 hours. PLease plan your time and route around this tragedy.

**topeze** · 06-04-2009, 06:00 PM

I called the police to find out. Basically, the accident was right north of the bridge, so there will be no traffic going through for the next couple of hours. You can get to the north entrance of Bay Grove Road headed south on 331, but there's no telling how long it will take due to all the traffic.

Hope that helps! Just means that I might as well get more work done and forstall the horrible traffic.

**scooterbug44** · 06-04-2009, 06:05 PM

You beat me to it!

I was out roaming Sowal and thought it was just people trying to turn left onto 331 from CH that was holding things up - then was surprised to see the cops directing traffic and telling everyone the bridge was closed.

Traffic is backing up down Chat Holley and it's a parking lot all the way to 98.

**krisnicjohn** · 06-04-2009, 06:16 PM

Now the FHP website is reporting another accident in Freeport at 20 and 331. It didn't specify if it was 331 North (the old part of the road) or 331 South (the new part of the road). Anyone hear anything about that one? Trying to figure out if I can leave work at Gulf Place to get home to DeFuniak!

**krisnicjohn** · 06-04-2009, 06:28 PM

Never mind. It's gone from the website now!

**Deli Love** · 06-04-2009, 06:41 PM

The wreck at 20 and 331 was clearing up about a half hour ago. We sat on the bridge for almost an hour and turned around on our own. Prayers are with all involved.

**organicmama** · 06-04-2009, 07:06 PM

This was emailed 1 hour ago.

Listen to the Mp3 file for Today's News Segment 0 http://www.wzep1460.com/Friday%20Segment%200.mp3

Accident

An accident around 3:30pm Thursday afternoon between a dump truck and an SUV sent several to the hospital and one had to be set free. The accident also took the life of at least one. The patients included small children. The accident happened between the dump truck and an SUV on Highway 331 south near Bay Grove Road, just north of the bridge. Emergency responders were called the scene with a possible entrapment. When they arrived, they found one individual entrapped and had to call for additional equipment to free the patient. AirHeart 3 and Gulf-Flight were both dispatched. The highway was tied up for several hours, delaying many going north from work from getting home.

Freeport Fire and Walton County Fire-Rescue were the main responders. Animal control was also needed at the scene. The FHP is investigating and we should have more information later.

As the accident tied up the roadway and the Clyde B. Wells bridge, after almost 2 hours the news came that the road would be closed for another hour. Like accidents in the past, after a long time of traffic tied up and people coming down the roadway before being notified, the drivers were turning around on the bridge. After two hours, a request came in to have an officer go south of the accident and let people know to turn around before traveling all the way up the road. You might remember past accident involving the bridge and other roads where the road was blocked for multiple hours. One accident where a truck went over the bridge had drivers coming all the way down from Highway 20 before being told the roadway was and would be closed and having to turn around. This time, after two hours of people turning around, the FHP requested a Sheriff deputy to go south and let people know about the blocked road before getting on the bridge.

**Evangeline** · 06-04-2009, 07:17 PM

They are not stopping people who are southbound on 331and 20 (which would make the most sense) in Freeport, but instead have an officer stopping them farther up on 331 just south of Hwy 3280. So then they either have to wait or turn around and go all the way back to 20 to detour, I guess.

Any word on how much longer until the traffic starts moving across the bridge again?

**Bobby J** · 06-04-2009, 07:31 PM

I was just given the names of who may have been in the wreck and my family prayers go out to all. Not prepared to release names until we have confirmation. This is such a Small town that it seems every time there is an accident you end up knowing the parties involved.

**Evangeline** · 06-04-2009, 07:37 PM

I just got the answer for myself about traffic moving by calling the SO substation. Apparently they've opened the road back up.

Prayers to the family(ies) involved from here too. I am anxious every time my family is on that stretch of road.

**ShallowsNole** · 06-04-2009, 07:42 PM

OK, sorry that my source(s) were wrong about 331 being closed. We had made several phone calls, as virtually all of the other employees in our building, save for two or three, live north of the bridge. The FHP site at that time said proceed with caution. When we left work 331 was not backed up, and there was some southbound traffic, so I had no way of knowing I'd been misinformed.

Using binoculars, traffic did appear to be moving across the bridge a little while ago, VERY slowly.

And I was about to point out to Evangeline that 3280 is actually a very good detour, but then I thought before I typed (rare for me) and that would be only if you are going north. I guess one could take 3280 to 20 to head east to 79, but you'd be much farther ahead if you knew about it at 331 & 20.

In any event, prayers to the families of all involved...

**Lake Eastern** · 06-04-2009, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by Evangeline

I just got the answer for myself about traffic moving by calling the SO substation. Apparently they've opened the road back up.

Prayers to the family(ies) involved from here too. I am anxious every time my family is on that stretch of road.

My husband is southbound at top of the bridge and says the traffic is moving at 7:40 pm.

**organicmama** · 06-04-2009, 07:44 PM

My prayers go out to them as well. That stretch make me anxious too.

**topeze** · 06-04-2009, 08:11 PM

Got on to post but others beat me to it by the time I was home. Traffic is going through now, although was still backed up headed south for a bit.

Come to find out, my husband was only a few cars behind the accident before it happened and saw the first cop arrive at the scene. And as I was driving, I saw the SUV on the flatbead heading up 331. It looked like a head on collision. My prayers go out to the family of all those in the vehicles and for a fast recovery for all involved.

**Deli Love** · 06-04-2009, 08:31 PM

This area knows about the power of prayer. From the word I am getting from friends of family prayers will be needed and appreciated.

**ItzKatzTime** · 06-04-2009, 09:21 PM

My prayers are with them all.

**RepeatAuctions** · 06-04-2009, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Bobby J

I was just given the names of who may have been in the wreck and my family prayers go out to all. Not prepared to release names until we have confirmation. This is such a Small town that it seems every time there is an accident you end up knowing the parties involved.

Bobby, Do we have confirmation yet? I am worried.

**TooFarTampa** · 06-04-2009, 09:41 PM

**kurt** · 06-05-2009, 08:05 AM

Freeport woman dies in three-car crash - News - The News Herald

A Freeport woman died and her family members were injured in a three-car crash in Walton County on Thursday afternoon.

Gina D. Carter, 30, died in a wreck after the SUV in which she was a passenger struck a dump truck on U.S. 331 near the intersection with South Bay Grove Road, according to a crash report from the the Florida Highway Patrol.

Lori-Ann Sivley, 40, of Freeport was driving a 2004 Chevrolet 4-door northbound on U.S. 331 at about 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, when she attempted a left turn onto South Bay Grove Road, according to the report.

A 2000 Ford SUV driven by Christopher Carter, 31, of Freeport was traveling southbound on U.S. 331. In the vehicle with him were passengers Gina D. Carter, Christopher Carter, age 2, and Isabella Carter, 7.

A third vehicle, a 1998 Freightliner dumptruck driven by Johnnie Mack Roberts of DeFuniak Springs, 48, was traveling northbound on U.S. 331 behind Sivley's car.

Sivley did not see Carter's SUV approaching and attempted a left turn in front of the SUV, according to the report. Carter tried to steer to the left to travel around Sivley, but the right front of the SUV struck the right rear of Sivley's car. The SUV veered off to the left into the northbound lane and into the path of the dump truck.

Roberts tried to steer to the right to avoid Carter's SUV, but the front of the dump truck struck the right front of the SUV, the report said. Both vehicles came to final rest straddling the northbound lane and the east paved shoulder of U.S. 331, with the SUV facing south and the dumptruck facing north, connected to each other.

Sivley pulled off onto the west shoulder of U.S. 331. She had no injuries, the report said. She was wearing a seatbelt.

Gina D. Carter's injuries were fatal, according to the report. She was wearing a seatbelt.
Christopher Carter, driver of the SUV, sufferred critical injuries and was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. He was wearing a seatbelt, the report said. The two children in the SUV were also transported to Sacred Heart Hospital; Christopher had minor injuries and Isabella had serious injuries, the report said. Both were wearing seatbelts.

Roberts was wearing a seatbelt and had minor injuries, the report said.

Charges are pending in the crash investigation, the report said.

**Dia** · 06-05-2009, 08:12 AM

Oh no. My thoughts are with all involved.

**dmarie** · 06-05-2009, 08:14 AM

OMG! How tragic! Is this the same Chris Carter who used to have a car detailing company, AND who also lost his then-wife in an accident years ago? Please say no.

Prayers and hugs to this family.

**Miss Critter** · 06-05-2009, 08:35 AM

How tragic. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.

**BeachSiO2** · 06-05-2009, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by dmarie

OMG! How tragic! Is this the same Chris Carter who used to have a car detailing company, AND who also lost his then-wife in an accident years ago? Please say no.

Prayers and hugs to this family.

I just typed almost the exact same thing as it was the first thing that popped in my mind. Her name was Summer if that helps anyone find out.

**Bobby J** · 06-05-2009, 09:16 AM

I believe this is the same Chris Carter that had the car cleaning business who lost his first wife at Peach creek and 98 and who just lost his father and step mother at 98 and Hewitt.

I can not even imagine the pain he must be going through right now.

**ItzKatzTime** · 06-05-2009, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Bobby J

I believe this is the same Chris Carter that had the car cleaning business who lost his first wife at Peach creek and 98 and who just lost his father and step mother at 98 and Hewitt.

I can not even imagine the pain he must be going through right now.

This is too horrible to even think about. Prayers for the children and Chris.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-05-2009, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by BeachSiO2

I just typed almost the exact same thing as it was the first thing that popped in my mind. Her name was Summer if that helps anyone find out.

Chris's first wife killed in a car accident was Seasun. (Chris was driving then too).....I can't think of anything more tragic than this accident and the horror that Chris and family are going through. Chris had serious debilitating leg injuries from the first wreck and was in a wheelchair for a LONG time (a drunk driver hit them).

Tears, prayers and hugs going their way...not just now, but for a long time. Any thoughts on what we can do as a community to help Chris and his family???

**aggieb** · 06-05-2009, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

Chris's first wife killed in a car accident was Seasun. (Chris was driving then too).....I can't think of anything more tragic than this accident and the horror that Chris and family are going through. Chris had serious debilitating leg injuries from the first wreck and was in a wheelchair for a LONG time (a drunk driver hit them).

Tears, prayers and hugs going their way...not just now, but for a long time. Any thoughts on what we can do as a community to help Chris and his family???

it sounds as though he's definitely going to need a strong support system.

this is so, so horrible. i couldn't imagine.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-05-2009, 10:58 AM

How about a Sowal Community pot luck dinner with a cover charge, say $10 per person. Maybe some musicians can donate some time for the occassion and make the occassion a celebration of life and community out pouring.

Perhaps a silent auction as well???? Or get Tom Stein to help us with a live auction...he's very entertaining and can bring in some bucks.

I'm on a roll here....you're thoughts are appreciated.

**BeachSiO2** · 06-05-2009, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

Chris's first wife killed in a car accident was Seasun. (Chris was driving then too).....I can't think of anything more tragic than this accident and the horror that Chris and family are going through. Chris had serious debilitating leg injuries from the first wreck and was in a wheelchair for a LONG time (a drunk driver hit them).

Tears, prayers and hugs going their way...not just now, but for a long time. Any thoughts on what we can do as a community to help Chris and his family???

Sorry for the mistake on the name. I remember when the first accident happened and this is unimaginable.

**steyou** · 06-05-2009, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

How about a Sowal Community pot luck dinner with a cover charge, say $10 per person. Maybe some musicians can donate some time for the occassion and make the occassion a celebration of life and community out pouring.

Perhaps a silent auction as well???? Or get Tom Stein to help us with a live auction...he's very entertaining and can bring in some bucks.

I'm on a roll here....you're thoughts are appreciated.

I am in for this. I wish I had time to help plan/organize but I do not. I will come if something is organized. My family and I pray everyday together and we will include Chris and his kids in our prayers. Tough situation.

**Susan Horn** · 06-05-2009, 11:43 AM

Would this be the same Chris Carter who went to Bay School when I was a Chapter One aide there? That was in the mid-1980s, I am too distraught to even do the math right now.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-05-2009, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Susan Horn

Would this be the same Chris Carter who went to Bay School when I was a Chapter One aide there? That was in the mid-1980s, I am too distraught to even do the math right now.

Susan it probably was......he was a cute tow headed kid....he's still cute and tow headed. His parent are Cherry and Cecil, Cecil recently deceased with his 2nd wife in a car accident a few months ago.

**Carol G** · 06-05-2009, 11:51 AM

This is so unbelievably sad. I don't know Chris or his family, but I know the power of a community that rallies in support of one of its own. I'll help out however I can.

**30ABandMan** · 06-05-2009, 12:00 PM

If you guys want to do a bbq plate fundraiser I have a huge grill. I'll be glad to donate my time to cooking pork butts.Just let me know.Dean-

**T Cline** · 06-05-2009, 12:22 PM

there's just not the right words to express how tragic this it for this family.
I will gladly donate artwork if there is a fundraiser.

**ckhagen** · 06-05-2009, 12:42 PM

There aren't words for how unfair this is.

I would also donate a portrait session with album for an auction if someone puts something together.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-05-2009, 12:47 PM

Ok...let's do it! I need help....volunteers please??!!!!!!!! Need a place to have it, a date, coordination, etc. Informal committee of sorts.....please step up and show this family what Sowal is all about. Ideas are appreciated, and so are people. PM me or call me.....585-7353.....Donna

**kitlit** · 06-05-2009, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

Ok...let's do it! I need help....volunteers please??!!!!!!!! Need a place to have it, a date, coordination, etc. Informal committee of sorts.....please step up and show this family what Sowal is all about. Ideas are appreciated, and so are people. PM me or call me.....585-7353.....Donna

You know I'm in, my volunteer services are at your disposal, D-Ma. My heart is breaking for Chris and his family. Whatever I can do...
Posted via Mobile Device

**dmarie** · 06-05-2009, 12:55 PM

I have nothing of tangible value to donate, but I do have time and desire. Count me in to help in whatever way I can. In his young life, Chris has lived Hell on earth.

**Franny** · 06-05-2009, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

Ok...let's do it! I need help....volunteers please??!!!!!!!! Need a place to have it, a date, coordination, etc. Informal committee of sorts.....please step up and show this family what Sowal is all about. Ideas are appreciated, and so are people. PM me or call me.....585-7353.....Donna

I'm in. Let's talk this weekend.

**RobbynB** · 06-05-2009, 02:49 PM

Hi all,
I am writing a follow-up article today about Chris and his family. If there are friends or relatives who'd like to share memories or thoughts of him and his family, please call my desk phone at 315-4445. We'd like to be able to share with Daily News readers just how tragic this is for their family. If you have photos, that would be nice, too.
~Robbyn Brooks
Northwest Florida Daily News

**organicmama** · 06-05-2009, 04:07 PM

Walton’s Second Fatality In Two Days

Foul weather might have played a part in a second Walton County fatality in as many days. Just before 8:30am Friday morning a single vehicle accident took the life of one and sent a passenger to the hospital via Walton EMS. The accident happened at the 83 westbound mile marker on I-10. Walton Fire-Rescue called for an air-ambulance, but the helicopter could not fly due to the area being blanked in bad weather. The initial call came in as a possible ejection. The FHP is working the accident.

Accident Follow-up

(I know this is a repeat of what Kurt posted, but it came in with the info above.)

The FHP says a Freeport woman was killed Thursday afternoon in a multi vehicle accident at the intersection of U.S. 331 and South Bay Grove Road. First News reported on the accident and traffic conditions live Thursday afternoon.

According to the FHP, around 3pm Thursday, 40-year-old Lori Ann Sivley of Freeport, was traveling north on 331, attempting to make a left turn onto Bay Grove Road. At the same time, 31-year-old Christopher Carter was traveling southbound. Apparently Sivley didn't see the car driven by Carter and turned into its path. Carter attempted to steer to the left and struck the rear before veering into the path of a dump truck traveling behind her.

The FHP says passenger 30-year-old Gina Dee Carter died in the accident. The driver, Carter, is listed in critical condition. Also injured were 7-year-old Isabella Carter, and 2-year-old Christopher Carter. Sivley was not injured. The dump truck driver, 48-year-old Johnny Mack Roberts, of DeFuniak Springs, was listed with minor injuries. Two air-ambulance helicopters were called to the scene. U.S. 331 was tied up for about 3 hours.

The FHP says charges are pending. The report also says all involved were wearing a seatbelt.

**organicmama** · 06-05-2009, 04:10 PM

Count us in any way we can. I cannot imagine what the family is going through.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-05-2009, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by BeachSiO2

Hopefully you will be able to get the word out about efforts that the Sowal board is making to try and help the family, especially if they can mobilize a special event or fundraising effort.

On an unrelated note, here's another accident you could check out that has some of us scratching our heads...

http://www.sowal.com/bb/all-about-so...rking-lot.html

The family is being notified as I write this of the Sowal Community out pouring of compassion and help for the Carter Family.

My phone is ringing off the hook with wonderful Sowallers

wanting to help. Please keep it up...let's show the Carter Family we care and hopefully bring some light into their world after this horrible tragedy.

I have a 2nd party contact to the family that I spoke with just a little while ago, the kids are at the Children's Hospital on Pensacola and should both be okay, but broken and banged up. Not to mention the loss of their mother and a grieving father. This is just soooo unbelievable.

I've contacted the press and relayed to them that I don't think anyone should speak of the family without their permission, until then, I will keep quiet. The reporter appreciates that...and I thank you RobynnB.

The reporter said all info regarding a fundraiser will be published....again, thank you.

Still want ideas, volunteers, etcc.....please call me

Donna
585-7353

**Bobby J** · 06-05-2009, 05:29 PM

As you know Donna, I am at your disposal. If you would like to put together a committee count me in. We could maybe meet Monday and get under way with something. Please don't hesitate to call.

Bobby j
865-7798

**GoodWitch58** · 06-05-2009, 06:30 PM

Donna, count me in too. Whatever I can do. This is so very sad.
GW

**Deli Love** · 06-05-2009, 07:01 PM

Prayers are what my family can give right now but they are there for this family. Sis has been in touch with the family and I am sure they will appreciate any help and Any Prayer we send out! DMarie, let's make heaven a noisy place again!