Quintette Road Bridge Accident Claims Life

July 21, 2013

One person died in a two-vehicle accident on a  Quintette Road bridge Saturday night.

The head-on collision  happened about 11 p.m. on the Escambia River Bridge between Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The Florida Highway Patrol said 44-year old Floyd W. Scruggs. Jr., of Milton was traveling west on Quintette Road in a 1992 Chevrolet pickup when he crossed into the wrong lane. He collided head-on with a 2008 Ford pickup towing a trailer with an ATV driven by 27-year old Johnathon R. Carpenter of Pace.

Scruggs was pronounced deceased at the scene. Carpenter was transported by Santa Rosa Lifeguard EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he was listed in serious condition.

The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Emergency crews from both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties responded to the crash. The bridge remained closed into the early morning hours.

Pictured top: The driver of this pickup, 44-year old Floyd W. Scruggs. Jr., of Milton, was pronounced deceased in this accident on the Escambia River Bridge on Quintette Road. Pictured below: The driver of this blue pickup, 27-year old Johnathon R. Carpenter of Pace, was seriously injured. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.

Comments

56 Responses to “Quintette Road Bridge Accident Claims Life”

  1. shane kersey on April 16th, 2014 3:59 pm

    Sorry about floyd. He was a good friend to me and Walter Jernigan and sue and kevin moates. His loss is hard to deal with. May he rest in peace and prayers are with the familys involved….

  2. marvin graham on August 15th, 2013 9:32 pm

    AUGUST 15. To the family of Floyd Jr. I just found out about this accident. There are friends and there are true friends and Booger was the true friend. I have known his Dad and Mom and brother since he was 10 years old. I will never forget Floyd Jr. and his kindness and his willingnest to help anyone in need. Loved you man. Your friend always. Marvin

  3. Road Accident Claim on August 15th, 2013 10:53 am

    There are many “almost accidents” on Quintette road every day. So sad and sorry this happened to anyone.

  4. johnny taylor on August 8th, 2013 1:32 pm

    I was raised with the Scruggs family. I was about 10 years old when they moved into our neighbor hood. That was about 1947. They were all hard working honest people. I have spent many hours playing at their house, especially with Big Dewey. New Floyed and all the sisters and brothers. Mrs. Scruggs worked shift work at Chemestrand . She was one of the first hired there, some times in the early fifties. It is difficult to understand how such people as Little Floyd leaves us at an early age. Blessings to his family. I was unable to attend the funeral. I only hope for the best for this family. May the hand of our almighty God be with them. If any of the Scruggs family would like to talk to me I still live in Pensacola. Thanks Johnny.

  5. John colvill on July 28th, 2013 9:01 pm

    He was like a father figure to me i loved Floyd to death nd his kids they are like my little siblings to me. i didnt find out bout the accident until the day after by his step daught Ashton wales and when i found out i broke down in tears because iv’e known floyd for four or five years now and he has been there for me everytime i came to him. but wat im trying to say is that i love floyd to deth nd he will be missed by everyone.

  6. Renee on July 27th, 2013 12:45 am

    I actually do not know Shruggs, but he is my manager at the Comfort Inn’s brother in law, but i do know the Younger man involved in the accident, its a small world to know that BOTH of the men involved in this accident was linked to me in some sort of way. Carpenter and i have known eachother since Kindergarten… It is an eye opener to know that your life can be cut short so quickly. I pray for a speedy recovery Ryan!! And as for the Shruggs family, i am so sorry for your loss, may Peace be with your family. God bless.

  7. Kathy Farber on July 25th, 2013 7:12 pm

    am praying for both families , May God give strenght to get you thru this tragic time ,my heart goes out to floyds family, Floyd was a very good friend and always had a great heart.. know him for over 20 yrs .. May God be with all of you , he will be missed

  8. Gretchen Shields on July 25th, 2013 1:17 pm

    I am a next door neighbor to Floyd and I just learned about his passing. I am devastated, to say the least. My heart aches for the kids ( Zach, Fisher, and Ashton). My heart also aches for Kim, the mother of the kids, and the entire Scruggs family. I don’t know his father and brother, but you all are in my prayers and thoughts. Floyd was the BEST neighbor anyone could have and a great person to know. I will miss him dearly! Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. God bless all of you.

  9. kim wales on July 25th, 2013 6:28 am

    Floyd scruggs jr was the father of my children we spent 15 yrs of our lives together and his death has been very hard on his whole family. He will be loved and missed always. floyd sr, dewey, michelle and kids we love yall and we wouldnt of gotten through this with out yall. To the ones who stopped and tried to help thank you so very much im sure it was the hardest thing you have ever had to see. Johnathon i want you to know that you are in our prayers. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

  10. Ashton Wales (Scruggs) on July 24th, 2013 6:07 pm

    For all that wants to know about the funeral for Floyd Scruggs, it will be at the Lewis Funeral home in Pace, this coming up Saturday. Family visitation is at 10 a.m and friends visitation is at 11a.m. The funeral starts at 1 o’clock p.m.

  11. jimmy whittington on July 24th, 2013 3:08 pm

    me and floyd was best of friends,i was his best, and he was my best friend, it hurtss i miss him but he will be in our mind and heart for ever. sorry what happen, me and my son was suppose to ride with himm, but i felt sick didnt go. we will never know what realy happen, and i am glad the young will be ok. my hurts and heart goes out to floyd family.p.s MR. SRUGGS please give me a call. thanks. 221 9078jimmy

  12. joey on July 24th, 2013 1:58 pm

    So sorry for the scruggs family loss. Ryan i hope you are doing better. I would like to say. thank you for flagging me down, or i would have plowed into the wreckage myself. I know you needed help and were very upset at the sights we both saw. It all has been weighing on me mentally. I could tell you were more worried about the other driver over yourself. That proves you are a good person. I pray for all families involved, and hope i can soon forget the sights i encountered. For the other drivers that approached the scene after me, i am very sorry.if i came accross wrong. I was just protecting you from the sights i wish i didnt have to see.

  13. Mike Abbot on July 24th, 2013 3:37 am

    Went to School with Floyd as well. Very saddened to hear this. Floyd’s was a great guy. Hope the best for Floyd and Ryans family.

  14. Friend on July 23rd, 2013 1:10 pm

    So sorry for the loss. I knew Floyd from high school and he was a very sweet and kind hearted man. I pray for his family in this time of sorrow and also for the other family involved.

  15. ginapcola on July 22nd, 2013 10:37 pm

    Ryan is a good strong young man an he is in my prayers. Sry for the loss of the other family..

  16. Mary Watson on July 22nd, 2013 10:16 pm

    Floyd is my cousin although we haven’t talked in a while he will be missed and was loved very much rip booger

  17. Dewey Scruggs on July 22nd, 2013 9:32 pm

    Thanks to everyone for the nice and heart felt things said about my brother…Floyd was all i had…as far as siblings we shared and done a ton of things over the years…always there for each other. im not sure how im gonna handle the next few days…there may be some times when i may not answer a call but just me when i say they are most appreciated even if i dont speak just the thought of someone taking the time means alot…last thing i want to say is to the family friends and above all to the young man involed in this terrible accident with my brother is get well soon and keep yer head high….there was nothing you could to avoid this…if you need anything my name is dewey scrugggs just look me up.. thx again to everyone

  18. tiffany campbell (jones) on July 22nd, 2013 10:57 am

    so sad..we love u booger and will miss you..havent seen u in a while but ur still my cousin and we love ya

  19. Cynthia Licharowicz on July 21st, 2013 11:40 pm

    Floyd, fly high! I am sad to hear you passed on. Your kids will love and miss you always. Ashton, girl I know you will be ok. Just remember him with love.

  20. Jenn on July 21st, 2013 10:34 pm

    This is horrible for the two families envolved. Floyd we will miss you. My prayers go out to the scruggs family. Floyd’s lil brother is my brother in law Dewey Scruggs.Our families joined 21 yrs ago. I seen the pain on Floyd Sr.& Dewey’s face today. Lord hold them tight & help them through this time. Also praying for a speedy recovery for Mr. Carpenter.

  21. Friend on July 21st, 2013 10:28 pm

    Ryan is sore….he has a broken arm & crushed heel……my prayers go out to Floyd’s family in this tragic time

  22. Teri on July 21st, 2013 10:10 pm

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Floyds family. I have known Floyd and Dewey for many years. We had many good times together. He is a great man and he will be greatly missed by many! May God’s hands rest on the hearts and shoulders of the loved ones he left behind, to help them find some peace and comfort during this very difficult time. RIP Floyd… we love you♡

  23. Kristi on July 21st, 2013 9:37 pm

    Ryan is going to be ok, very sore some broken bones but at home resting. Lots of prayers going out to the Scruggs family- this was such a terrible tragedy that has happened and y’all are in our thoughts and prayers.

  24. Friend on July 21st, 2013 9:25 pm

    Prayers to the Scruggs family & friends.

    Are there any updates on Ryan??? You’re in our prayers & so glad you’re still with us!!

  25. Suzanne Martin Ward on July 21st, 2013 8:50 pm

    Rest in peace Floyd. I pray that God gives your family and friends the peace and comfort they need to get through this in the coming days.

  26. Leanne Free on July 21st, 2013 8:30 pm

    Have known Floyd for many years. Was always a good person and good friend. Prayers for his family.

  27. Michelle Knowles Dixon on July 21st, 2013 7:16 pm

    I have known Floyd for many years. My heart breaks to hear this. My prayers for both families, May God give you the strength and comfort you all need to get you through this time. RIP my friend, we will miss you greatly!

  28. virginia gallant on July 21st, 2013 6:49 pm

    He helped me with my car, he was a Heartful man!! He loved his babies!! God Bless His Soul!!!

  29. stepmom on July 21st, 2013 6:26 pm

    Our prayers go out to the Scruggs family, and we appreciate the love and support being rec’d. It’s a very tough situation to say the least. Joyous in our Ryan is with us, but so sad for the other family! A real reminder of how fast something can just take everything away.

  30. SouthernJeepGuy on July 21st, 2013 5:59 pm

    My Prayers and Condolences to the Family of Floyd Scruggs, Jr. As a Upper classmate of Floyd, there will always be fond memories. May God Bless and Comfort this family. May God also Bless the family of Johnathon Carpenter.

  31. Susan on July 21st, 2013 5:42 pm

    Tina, your post was said so eloquently. I felt the impact of what you witnessed just reading it. I wasn’t there, I don’t know the two involved, but after reading about the wreck I feel a bit of what you all experienced. Thank you for conveying that message so well.

  32. gail thurman on July 21st, 2013 5:41 pm

    best wishes to the family of scrugg family, a good guy, and very sorry for their lost that is a bad road to travel on anyway too long and no lights, don’t like traveling on it at all.

  33. My2Cents on July 21st, 2013 3:27 pm

    Having gone to school with Floyd & Dewey at Pace High….there is a deep sadness among many of us today. Father, I pray that you give the family, friends, and classmates comfort during this tragic time. Father, please give extra love and comfort to his children, and provide them with understanding of all unanswered questions. In your son’s precious name..Amen!

    I send my deepest prayers to both families involved and may the Lord bring a speedy recovery to Mr. Carpenter and provide comfort to his family and friends as well.

  34. bystander on July 21st, 2013 3:06 pm

    @ Tina Morton – Well said, you are very right! I know I will never forget the horrifying site of that tragedy we all witnessed last night. Still praying for those involved, its heartbreaking. Knowing that couldve been any of us is a major wakeup call like you said.. My mind is so blown.

  35. Tina Morton on July 21st, 2013 1:58 pm

    I was the third vehicle to come up on the scene coming from hwy 29. At a distance it looked like a train wreck up ahead. I slowed down of course and got out of my van as I got closer and began asking if anyone had called 911. It was pitch black out and silent except for the lights from our few cars. Both lanes were blocked. It was hard to make out what was what. I asked if anyone knew if anyone was alive, as I wanted to go over and pray for anyone who may be in the process of dying. The first guy on the scene seemed to be “in charge” with some sort of “training” and had instructed the rest of us to stay back saying, “you don’t want to see this”. The few of us first on the scene were thinking that it could have been us in the accident. Like Sarah (2nd lady on the scene), I too have never seen an accident that bad in my life. Not knowing those involved, I couldn’t help but think, about the one that was obviously dead (according to the one man who was close up and on the phone reporting what he was observing); a man just died tonight, someone lost possibly a brother, a son, a dad, etc. I hoped the man had entered the gates of heaven. It was a “wakeup call” for all of us standing on that bridge and taking it all in, on just how quickly our lives can be taken! I had pulled off the road before turning onto Quintette to take care of something for 2-3 minutes, possibly just long enough to miss being in the wreck. Like the other bystander, it was hard to think of anything else for hours afterwards and is still on my mind this morning. After church, I drove back to the scene to see it in daylight. Nothing but some dry-sorb in the road, the white skid marks we all saw on the side of the bridge rail last night, and the memories of the eerie night are left. Life goes on, but there are lives that will obviously never be the same.

  36. patti and kenny mccormick on July 21st, 2013 1:36 pm

    thoughts and prayers to yalls family !!!so sorryfor the loss of a good man husband and daddy !???

  37. Paula on July 21st, 2013 1:05 pm

    I was also on the scene at the time of the actual happening. It is very sad. And my prayers are going out to the families. May God bless and comfort you at this time..

  38. Sandy Poole on July 21st, 2013 12:49 pm

    Booger was my first friend and we walked to school together when we lived in Pensacola. Praying for both families.

  39. jinna provence on July 21st, 2013 12:40 pm

    Scruggs was my cousin, I pray for our family and the other family equally. We will miss you and I pray for a quick recovery from the young man who was injured. RIP and much love and prayers coming from Texas.

  40. Lisa Andrews on July 21st, 2013 12:05 pm

    Floyd, Jr. was one of my cousins. Rest in peace Booger-we love you.

  41. Robert Holster on July 21st, 2013 11:45 am

    I’ve known Floyd for over twenty five years. My prayers are for his family and for the driver of the other truck. May he Rest in Peace. Ashton you have my deepest sympathies.

  42. The Gregg's on July 21st, 2013 11:27 am

    So tragic to hear, we are very close to the Scruggs and we want you all to know that we love you ALL and we are all praying for you guys, let us know if there’s anything we can do for any of you guys! Rest in peace booger! Lots of thoughts and prayers!
    -The Gregg Family
    David,Diane, Kim, David jr. And Chelsey!

  43. holly on July 21st, 2013 11:22 am

    so sorry for the families and am praying for all.

  44. Anne on July 21st, 2013 11:17 am

    This is tragic for those families. So sad and sorry this happened to anyone. I used to cross over to 95a from Woodbine Rd but one day something came over me and I got scared crossing those bridges. I know many people feel that way. It is beautiful in the fall but I haven’t been down that rd in 5 years now.

  45. brittany broxson on July 21st, 2013 10:36 am

    Can’t bwlieve thia happened your the.best floyd! Your highly missed no mater what ! We love you ! You were always there)’: can’t believe it ! Fly high floyd! Gunna miss the campin trips with you!!

  46. hollie Findley on July 21st, 2013 10:09 am

    Omg this is tragic. My thoughts and prayers go out to both families. To Ashton wales that was very heart touching of how you spoke of you’re step father not very many people give their step parents the recognition they deserve.Consider yourself blessed to have had such positive person in your life. You’ll be in my prayers.

  47. Missy B on July 21st, 2013 10:07 am

    Ashton Wales (Scruggs) – So very sorry for your loss from yesterday and your previous loss – both fathers in your life. Please stay strong, take what they have given you to use in life and make them proud. What you wrote it bittersweet because of you recognizing who has been in your life and now knowing they are gone. Even in this difficult time, you even acknowledged the other injured young man showing what a try man you are. Many prayers will be with you and your family during this time. You sound like someone that will make his family proud.

  48. Sarah on July 21st, 2013 9:09 am

    I was one of the first people at the accident and have to say it is the worst wreck I have ever seen in person. My thoughts and prayers go to both families and have to say it is not a sight I will forget for a while.

  49. Ashton Wales (Scruggs) on July 21st, 2013 8:14 am

    My step dad was the one that died. I love you daddy! R.I.P. I can’t believe this happened, i am shocked! Floyd was my world, best dad anyone.could ask for.. I lost my biological dad on February 14, 2009 and now lost my step dad as of last night July 20, 2013. You step into my life 14 years ago and was there for me every step of the way! Now will be my guardian angle. He has two son, they wanted me to tell everyone, including me, thank you for prayer for the family. We all appreciate it. And to Jonatha, I hope you get better! I’ve known you for a little while now. I am praying for you and your family.

  50. Nikki & Roy on July 21st, 2013 8:03 am

    We came home that way last night around 9:30. I always have a fear of something like that happening when traveling down that road, especially at night. So sorry for all involved.

  51. Tina Mallernee on July 21st, 2013 7:23 am

    my thoughts and prayers go out to floyds family and to his boys,and to the man in critical condition

  52. Jane on July 21st, 2013 5:56 am

    There are many “almost accidents” on Quintette road every day. People speed, pass on double lines, pass on hills, etc. I am surprised there are not more fatalities on this road. My deepest sympathy to the families of those involved.

  53. bystander on July 21st, 2013 5:34 am

    We were the second people on scene.. This was one of the worst wrecks Ive ever seen.. We couldnt even tell which way they were going or how thyvwrecked. Prayers go out to both of the families involved, our hearts are heavy tonight with them on our minds. Im still pretty shook up & shocked. & The bridge was still closed at 415am

  54. just a note on July 21st, 2013 3:24 am

    Bridge will be closed until the County can clean the oil and diesel residue from the bridge. The bridge will be slick if there is any rain and could cause more accidents.

  55. J on July 21st, 2013 3:20 am

    Bridge is still closed. @ 3am. They’re not searching anything. They’re waiting for the road crew to get there to clear all the oil off the road. Should be back open right after that.

  56. molinogurl on July 21st, 2013 2:55 am

    The bridge is still closed we just came through there around 1:15 and the Santa Rosa deputy said that it was going to be closed for at least another 2 to 3 hrs. Cause search and rescue is searching the riverbank.