Latest Headlines
- Business Alliance Calls For Escambia County To Deed Part of OLF-8 For Light Industrial Use
- New 332 Lot Subdivision Planned For Devine Farm Road In Cantonment
- Man Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Cantonment Boy Dies
- Texas Longhorns Take SEC Soccer Title; Officials Say Escambia County Wins Big
- Northview High School JROTC Honors Veterans
- Escambia County Deputies Involved in Shooting After Armed Suspect Opens Fire
- Pine Meadow Elementary Honors Veterans (With Gallery)
- Lipscomb Elementary School Honors Local Veterans (With Gallery)
- Bratt Elementary School Honors Local Veterans (With Gallery)
- NO. 17 UWF Earns Sixth Straight Win
13-Year Old Hit By Vehicle On Quintette Road Dies; Charges Upgraded Against Man That Said He Thought He Hit Deer
April 13, 2020
One of the juveniles hit by a vehicle last week on Quintette Road has died, and the driver will now be charged with his death.
Rylee Simmons, 13, was removed from life support over the weekend after an organ donations; his family told community members last Thursday night that he would not survive.
Robert William Etheridge, 58, of Cantonment, will now be charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death, according to Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille. He is also facing one count of leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury for injuries received by 12-year old Hailey Locke.
As of Monday afternoon, Etheridge remained free on a $30,000 bond after his arrest last Thursday.
“We are in the process of filing the amended charge, and the court will address the bond issue at that time,” Marcille said. If convicted of the charge for the death of Simmons, Etheridge faces a maximum of 30 years in prison with a minimum of four years. On the charge involving the injuries to Locke, Etheridge faces a maximum sentence of 15 years with no minimum if convicted.
On April 6, Locke and Simmons, both students at Ransom Middle School, were on Quintette Road approaching Carrington Lake Boulevard when they were struck by a Ford Escape driven by Etheridge, according to the FHP. Troopers said he fled the scene and later called the FHP to say he thought he had hit a deer.
Pictured top: Rylee Simmons, 13. Photo provided by family for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
14 Responses to “13-Year Old Hit By Vehicle On Quintette Road Dies; Charges Upgraded Against Man That Said He Thought He Hit Deer”
Being a mother who has buried a thirteen years old child, I know the tremendous heartbreak this family is experiencing. I am praying for you, asking Our Merciful Lord to shower you with His love, compassion, and strength. Please accept my daughter’s motto as your own:. “Never Give Up.”
MR REALITY, I said ” I don’t think he will be charged with the death of the child. His charges will be related to leaving the scene. I have seen nothing that says he caused this tragedy. He for some reason fled the scene, which is a crime.” How does your post relate to my statement.
Mr Reality, He has not been charged with causing the death of the child. Clue me in where it says in this article, or anywhere else that he has been charged with so doing.
Adam, he is cnow charged with a crime that carries a 30 year sentence. You dont have a clue what you are tlaking about.
The girl is a very good friends of mine and if this man doesn’t get charged and sentenced to the full extent then that’s a huge problem in our judicial system.
I don’t think he will be charged with the death of the child. His charges will be related to leaving the scene. I have seen nothing that says he caused this tragedy. He for some reason fled the scene, which is a crime.
Let Justice be done. It is so sad that things has to be this way, but thank God for Law. I only wish that it was done equally to everyone and not the chosen few.
I just wonder if he didn’t stop because maybe he was driving and drinking, much to often that’s the case , I’m not saying he was definitely doing that but just throwing it out there
Alcohol and driving don’t mix ( my opinion)
Such a beautiful child. God bless the family and friends of Rylee. Prayers for Hailey.
No sympathy for you, kids don’t look like deer. When reading this I still to this day remember being the victim of a hit and and waking up in the hospital and to this day knowing that somewhere out there in Pensacola there is a despicable human being that left me for dead on the side of the road.
If you would have stopped and gave assistance a young boy may still be alive, and a young girl in serious condition may not be suffering at your hands. Families now are devastated by your actions. Sincere condolences to the families involved may our Lord wrap you in his embrace and comfort you.
As for you, I hope you finish out your life in prison.
So very sad for everyone. My prayer is for all involved. I can’t imagine the pain these three families must bear. The burden of this accident is far reaching and heart breaking.
May God help the family and friends through this hard time.
This is an amazing Family the selfless act of donating his organs to allow others to live speaks volumes to their character. Praying for them and the Family of the other person.
He should have never been released on bond! I hope he suffers everyday of his life in prison