Horrifically Violent Highway 29 Crash Sunday Claims Life

May 25, 2020

A Brewton man died in a horrifically violent crash on Highway 29 south of Century Sunday afternoon.

The driver of a Jeep Patriot (the white vehicle in the photos) was southbound on Highway 29 at Canoe Creek when he crossed the median about 3:50 p.m. and crashed into an oncoming Buick Enclave occupied by two people.

The Buick came to rest on its side in the ditch. The driver of the SUV, a 67-year old man, was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the 62-year old female passenger was transported to Pensacola hospital in critical condition.

The collision essentially exploded the front of the Jeep, leaving the front wheels, engine compartment and engine in the median and debris spread across a large area of southbound Highway 29. The remainder of the Jeep came to rest upside down on the shoulder of the southbound lanes.

The Jeep driver, a 19-year old male from McDavid, was able to crawl out of the wreckage with minor injuries. He told bystanders that he believed that he may have fallen asleep, but the cause of the crash remained under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

The Century and McDavid stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.

For additional photos, click here.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

34 Responses to “Horrifically Violent Highway 29 Crash Sunday Claims Life”

  1. Shirley Hales on May 27th, 2020 7:49 pm

    The man that died in this horrific crash was my brother-in-law, he was married to my baby sister. He was loved by all who knew him, just a wonderful man. He and my sister were going to church, when they were hit by this car that was flipping thru the air, thank God my sister is fine just bruised. Our family will miss him so very much. God Bless my sister Darlene, son Nick, and two precious grandchildren, that he adored. R.I.P. James Earl, God needed you and he sent his angels to bring you home Sunday evening.

  2. Spared From 3 Head On's on May 27th, 2020 10:14 am

    In the past 24 months I have been spared from 3 near head-on collisions. Two were cell phone drivers that ran me off the road, I could see their heads down when they drove by me while I escaped to the ditch, totally clueless as what almsot happened, the third was a drugged up driver that ran me off the road and then rolled his truck and craweled out where the windshicld used to be. For the drugged up driver I stopped and rendered aid till the State Trooper arrived, 1 hr wait, the VFD was on scene in 5 minutes, (Rosinton, AL) thank you. I can relate to what Been There is feeling. Too many times have I witnessed in person, drivers with their heads down playing with their phones, so not worth it people, put the phone down and drive. It only takes a second to change your position in life as well as many innocent others who try to share YOUR road. Everyone else, stay alert for all the distracted people and make the decision ahead of time for your escape route like your were driving a motorcycle.

  3. Debbie on May 26th, 2020 9:56 pm

    @ Joseph Kidd … First let me say how bad I feel for you and the husband & wife from the other vehicle. It has got to be so hard for all concerned right now . It had to have took a lot for you to come on here and say anything but I think it was very kind of you to do. So far most all are seemingly being respectful to all involved but if anyone gets ugly or blameful please just scroll on by and don’t even finish reading because no one knows what happened unless they were there. All they can do is assume and guess and in my opinion that has no place here. I can only imagine how you could feel no matter what the outcome of the investigation is but please try to remember it is called an accident because that is what it is. I don’t know you but I feel in my heart that you in no way meant for anything like this to happen. I will add you and the couple in my prayers that God will help you all through this unimaginable time in your lives.
    If by chance there is anyone from the couples family that reads this please let me say I truly feel heart broken for your family for your loss. May God be with all .

  4. Daniel Padgett on May 26th, 2020 5:05 pm

    I am a co-worker of the man that died he was a really good friend I enjoyed talking to him everday. We laughed at so many things. He will be greatly missed. Heaven got another angel. Fly high my friend will meet again someday.

  5. Jim John on May 26th, 2020 12:53 pm

    Ain’t nothin wrong with that engine

  6. John Doe on May 26th, 2020 9:58 am

    so sad. vehicles need to be respected for the heavy machinery they are. so much horsepower these days with enough kinect energy to do catastrophic damage. be mindful, people. sorry for all those involved, i’ve been there.

  7. Sarah Roy on May 25th, 2020 7:57 pm

    Joseph my prayers are with you and your family. The fact you are man enough to take responsibility and apologize says alot about who you are and your heart.
    I’m also praying for the other family involved as I can’t imagine going through something like this. It was a accident and I hope all can heal from this

  8. Michele Matherne on May 25th, 2020 6:57 pm

    Our hearts are broken at the loss of my uncle. What a gentle, humble and kind man he was! Hard days are ahead for my Aunt Darlene, Nick & those 2 precious grand babies! Our prayers will continue to cover you. We love you both!
    Our prayers also go out to the young man that was involved in the accident, as well.

  9. Life long friends on May 25th, 2020 5:36 pm

    In reframe to comments: Speed is a factor when you “fall asleep” …. most often in those cases the speed increases …. so easy to spew judgment when you are so separated from the situation maybe.

    My heart aches today for this family who is family of “my family” also. For the Kidd family… you are in our prayers for peace and strength. Darlene & Nick…. and those precious grand babies. Barbara & Shirley …. so many of you on our mind and in our prayers today.

  10. Susan on May 25th, 2020 4:46 pm

    Sending up prayers for the families.

  11. Nicole watson on May 25th, 2020 4:44 pm

    Praying for noth families and just because hes 19 dont mean he was speeding or even on his phone but he has to live with the guilt forever and prayers to the ones hit they are friends with my family they grew up together may god guide each of you through this hard time

  12. Freda Lee Whaley on May 25th, 2020 4:27 pm

    My heart goes out to all involved.

  13. Tu Tran on May 25th, 2020 3:56 pm

    I drove by this last night after it happened and it was horrific. Ive seen many crashes but I knew for a fact someone passed. How sad and in a such quiet, dark and lonely part of 29. Prayers too the family and for the young man that went through this. Falling asleep at the wheel is a very scary feeling. One second you’re up the next you’re going off the road.

  14. Katherine McMillan on May 25th, 2020 3:50 pm

    It’s a tragic heartbreaking accident where all involve are suffering. Unforeseen circumstances befall us all, it will take time to recover. For those involved, draw close to the people who love you. You will need the strength and comfort they will provide. My heart goes out to you all.

  15. Carrie Condon on May 25th, 2020 3:32 pm

    I can only imagine the pain both families involved are going thru right now Prayers for all that were involved

  16. Evie Reid on May 25th, 2020 3:11 pm

    Joseph Kidd, you are in my prayers. Thank you for stepping up and accepting responsibility as well as expressing your remorse.

    To the family and surviving member of the other auto, you are also in my prayers. Thank you for your kindness and I am so sorry for this loss.

  17. Don’t judge before facts are known! on May 25th, 2020 2:41 pm

    Prayers for all involved! So sorry for your cousins loss- and your families. Everyone who was involved- lives were forever changed. Joseph for you to speak up at 19 – shows you were raised with respect for others-( I have a 19 yr old) and most I know wouldn’t have the courage to do so. Prayers for you all! Speed and phones def cause accidents but it’s not the only cause.

  18. Loretta on May 25th, 2020 1:48 pm

    First I want to say my thoughts and prayers are with the family. And now I want to say to Joseph Kidd,it takes a hell of a man to stand up and have the courage to be honest about what you think may have caused the accident. Some people wouldn’t have done that. So my thoughts and prayers are with you as well.

  19. Mom on May 25th, 2020 1:22 pm

    To “Been there” I agree to check phone but just because of his age doesn’t mean he is more prone to be on one. I see adult men and women every time I get in my car on their phones. It sickens me as to how people don’t listen and take into consideration the dangers. Also prayers for the family who lost their loved one. And to the young man . I am sure this will haunt him the rest of his life. Hopefully it will be a learning point for him and others to try and be more alert with sleep deprivation etc. with a husband who works shift work it is always a fear of mine.

  20. Clarise trump on May 25th, 2020 1:14 pm

    You don’t automatically judge someone because there could have been many causes such as a medical condition. This young man expressed his sorrow over this happening so let’s give the benefit of the doubt.

  21. Relative on May 25th, 2020 1:13 pm

    This was my family involved in the accident. My cousin is bruised but thankfully will be ok (physically) but she will need prayers & support due to losing her husband of 43 years. We are heartbroken. Please remember there are 2 families affected & this young man’s life is also forever changed. We don’t know exactly what happened so please don’t be so harsh behind a keyboard, Prayers for everyone involved!

  22. Ginger Faulkner on May 25th, 2020 1:06 pm

    My heart and prayers go out to all involved and their families! My heart breaks for them!!

  23. Grandmother on May 25th, 2020 12:43 pm

    I’m so sorry for all three of these people and their families. I had a relative that was at fault in a wreck that killed 2 and herself. It is horrible for both families. Grief, pain, and guilt.

  24. Julianadavis on May 25th, 2020 12:32 pm

    We were the car directly behind the car hit. Scariest thing I have ever seen. We were the first people to the car and if anyone has any info on the condition of the sweet lady in the vehicle could u please share we have been worried about her.

  25. Jw on May 25th, 2020 12:15 pm

    Cell phones are checked in fatality accident cases.

  26. Joseph Kidd on May 25th, 2020 11:12 am

    My name is Joseph Kidd. I was the Driver of the Jeep Patriot. I want to say that I am deeply sorry to the Family.

  27. Charlotte R Bates on May 25th, 2020 11:06 am

    Very few things brings me to tears in seconds, but this did. Imagine you are driving along one minute and you are dead the next. Breaks my heart into a million pieces. I am praying for everyone involved, and especially praying for the families that lost a loved one, and especially praying for the lady that she can heal from this.

  28. Kevin on May 25th, 2020 9:39 am

    Slow down!!!!! Speed was def a factor

  29. Irene Bondurant on May 25th, 2020 9:38 am

    Very sorry for all. Praying for families.

  30. Irene Bondurant on May 25th, 2020 9:23 am

    Terrible. Praying for all.

  31. Been There on May 25th, 2020 9:06 am

    19yrs old, ……….check cell phone.

  32. Well on May 25th, 2020 7:24 am

    Terrible accident.
    Prayers for all involved.

  33. Randon on May 25th, 2020 6:05 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved. We live approximately 1.25 miles away and it sounded like it happened in our back yard.

  34. Hollie Findley on May 25th, 2020 3:52 am

    Wow never saw anything like it, prayers for everyone involved and their family.