We Are Improving!

We hope that you'll find our new look appealing and the site easier to navigate than before. Please pardon any 404's that you may see, we're trying to tidy those up!  Should you find yourself on a 404 page please use the search feature in the navigation bar.  

User Rating: 5 / 5

Star ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar Active
 

The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed today Ryan Barrett, a lineman from Roanoke Rapids, died from injuries sustained in a hit and run crash which also claimed the lives of two others working to restore power in the Florida Panhandle area in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

Barrett and George Cesil of Bertie County were employees of Lee Electrical Construction, which is based in Aberdeen, when they and James Ussery of West Florida Electric were struck by the driver of a pickup hauling a trailer.

The FHP said in an updated press release Barrett died at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan.

In a post on its Facebook page, Lee Electrical said, “Unfortunately, this accident has resulted in the tragic deaths of all three linemen. At this time we can identify the Lee Electrical Construction linemen as George Cesil, of Colerain and Ryan Barrett, of Roanoke Rapids.”

The post said Cesil, 52, had worked with the company for approximately six years “serving as an exceptional foreman for most of that time.”

Barrett, 22, the post said, had worked with the company for five months “but was quickly showing promise in our industry.”

The company said it would not be making any other public statements out of respect for their families. “Our deepest sympathies go out to their family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this extremely difficult time.”

West Florida Electric said on its Facebook page, “As we mourn the loss of our friends and coworkers, we ask for your patience and understanding. We remain focused on the recovery and restoration of our electric system while supporting the families affected by this tragedy … We ask that you pray for the families of our fallen comrades and for the safety of our linemen in the field working tirelessly to restore your power.”

In its updated news release FHP said 37-year-old John Roland Goedtke, of Thonotosassa, Florida, faces charges of DUI manslaughter; felony vehicular homicide and felony leaving the scene. Additional charges are pending.

The FHP reported Goedtke was towing a U-Haul trailer behind a 1997 Ford F-150 as he drove north on State Road 77, south of Interstate 10 between Chipley and Wausau, which was one of Florida’s most storm-battered areas.

Around 6:50 p.m., troopers said, Goedtke hopped onto the east shoulder of State Road 77.

Cecil, the 52-year-old lineman from Bertie County, and James Ussery, a 60-year-old West Florida Electric lineman from Chipley, who also died, were working to restore power.

As Goedtke crossed Talton Drive, still on the highway’s shoulder, he struck the three lineman, troopers said. He did not stop to help or check on the men, but kept driving on the shoulder until he wound up in a ditch.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Goedtke ran from the truck after he drove into the ditch, but was spotted by a Chipley police officer. He was arrested and taken to Washington County Jail.

Hillsborough County Jail records show Goedtke has 27 arrests since 2000 on charges ranging from drug possession, driving with a revoked license, and multiple counts of domestic battery.