FHP Releases Names, Details In Serious Hwy 97 Crash

October 3, 2017

Five people were seriously injured in a two vehicle, near head-on collision Sunday night just north of Walnut Hill. Their names and crash details were released Tuesday afternoon by the Florida Highway Patrol.

According to the FHP,  38-year old Travis J. English of Pensacola was southbound about 8 p.m. on Highway 97 near Ficklin Road in a 2006 Hyundai Sonata when he crossed the center line in a no passing zone. Now traveling southbound in the northbound lane, English was in the path of a northbound 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 driven by 35-year old Tyler D. Respress of Atmore.

Both drivers  took evasive actions toward the shoulder of the road, according to the FHP, causing the vehicles to collide. The pickup came to rest partially on Highway 97, while the Sonata came to rest in the ditch.

English and his passengers were trapped in the Hyundai, with firefighters using the Jaws of Life to remove the vehicle roof oin order to free them. English and backseat passenger Gabreal McDowell, age 23 of Pensacola, were transported to Pensacola hospitals in serious condition. Front seat passenger Athena McBride, age 39 of Cantonment, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in critical condition.

Respress and passenger Ashley Respress, 34, were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in serious condition.

Any charges in the accident are pending the outcome of an ongoing Florida Highway Patrol investigation.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

21 Responses to “FHP Releases Names, Details In Serious Hwy 97 Crash”

  1. Chloe on October 5th, 2017 8:17 pm

    Just discovered – my family members were in the truck – prayers for all involved.

  2. Amanda on October 4th, 2017 8:26 am

    Prayers for all the families involved in this horrible crash. I pray everyone gets better soon.

  3. Donna Johanson on October 4th, 2017 7:06 am

    I was just behind this event when it occured just south of the 97 n 4 junction and the weather was misting heavy making visibility horrible. I want to say the emergency response teams were coming from all directions as I left the scene traveling the back roads. Pray everyone involved makes complete recoveries and thank all the emergency workers for their quick response.

  4. Bea thomas on October 4th, 2017 1:35 am

    The blood of Jesus cover

  5. Susan on October 3rd, 2017 11:34 pm

    Prayers for all involved. However , just maybe someone will learn from this preventable incident. DONT pass in a no passing zone for gosh sakes. No excuse. Don’t speed. Put the phone down. Leave the radio alone. Pay attention.

  6. Tiffany. on October 3rd, 2017 11:33 pm

    Prayers for everyone

  7. Linda Williams on October 3rd, 2017 1:46 pm

    One must be very aware and drive defensively on Hwy 97. Very often I see people passing in a no passing zone. and usually much over the speed limit.

  8. Gary on October 3rd, 2017 7:53 am

    I agree with Andrew. 97 is very dangerous because of no respect for the 55 mph speed limit and passing on yellow lines. This was a horrible accident. At least one of these vehicles was violating the law.

  9. K.clark on October 2nd, 2017 10:06 pm

    Lord” GOd” I KNOW YOUR ABLE..YOUR A HEARLER ..IN YOUR NAME JESUS HEARL EVERY SOUL..AN MAY YOU BRING COMFORT T O THE FAMILIES…AMEN!!!

  10. Tammy Howard on October 2nd, 2017 9:12 pm

    Dear Heavenly Father please touch the lives of the injured watch over them and wrap your arms around them and give them the healing and strength to recover I pray that you touch the nurses and doctors to give them the knowledge they will need to protect this family I ask you this in your holy name AMEN

  11. Sandy on October 2nd, 2017 5:21 pm

    Prayers for all involved……..and their families. God touch them all!

  12. Tamesha on October 2nd, 2017 2:50 pm

    Praying for all involved and hope they all recover.From this terrible wreck.

  13. Sam Barker on October 2nd, 2017 1:46 pm

    Prayers In Effect for all involved in that horrific traffic accident. My cousin was a passenger in that car. Love You Much…

  14. S. Purifoy on October 2nd, 2017 12:41 pm

    Prayers for all involved

  15. Andrew on October 2nd, 2017 12:13 pm

    The most dangerous road in Escambia County !!!

  16. Concerned on October 2nd, 2017 10:49 am

    Prayers for everyone

  17. Lula on October 2nd, 2017 9:15 am

    Praying for everyone .

  18. DDavies on October 2nd, 2017 9:13 am

    Prayers for both families involved in this crash! May God cover you and heal everyone involved.

  19. Tasha Purifoy on October 2nd, 2017 7:56 am

    Praying for da families nd hoping everyone will be okay . Yall are my prayers !!!!

  20. PJ on October 2nd, 2017 6:35 am

    Prayers

  21. Willis on October 2nd, 2017 5:59 am

    Prayers for all involved and their families.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News