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Journalist Jeff Schweers surprised line crews repairing a dozen power poles on Thomasville Road near Foxcroft.
Jeffrey Schweers, Democratic Senior Writer
John Roland Goedtke, 37, of Tampa, was arrested in connection with a crime bomb south of Chipley, which killed two linemen working to restore power after the passage of Hurricane Michael.(Photo: Washington County Sheriff's Office)
Three linemen work to restore power in the Florida Panhandle following Hurricane Michael have died after a road accident this week involving a drunk driver, investigators say.
John R. Goedtke, a 37-year-old man from Tampa Bay, escaped Wednesday, but was later arrested. The records show that he has numerous antecedents of traffic and arrests.
The investigation of the Florida Highway Patrol is underway. Goedtke is charged with manslaughter with DUI, homicide on a vehicle by crime, misdemeanor, and could be the subject of new charges.
George Cecil, 52, of Cole Rain, NC, and James Ussery, 60, of Chipley were both killed in the accident. Ryan Barrett of Roanoke Rapids, NC, was also hit by the truck. Barrett, 22, was taken to critical hospital in Dothan, Alabama on Wednesday, but died Thursday.
Mr. Goedtke, from Thonotosassa, drove his Ford F-150 pick-up truck north on National Highway 77 by pulling a U-Haul trailer at around 18:45. Wednesday, according to FHP. He drifted off the road and struck line workers working on utility poles before striking a ditch. He then took off.
More: How to help people on the way to Hurricane Michael
Since 2000, Goedtke has been arrested 27 times, according to the records of the clerk of the Hillsborough County Court. These charges include possession of drugs, nearly a dozen charges of driving with a revoked or suspended driver's license and the domestic battery.
The linemen were hit while they were trying to restore power near Chipley after Hurricane Michael who shot down the coast on October 10th.
Ussery worked for the West Florida Electric Cooperative, based in Sneads.
West Florida Electric Cooperative shared an article on social media about the accident and ongoing recovery efforts.
"As we mourn the loss of our friends and colleagues, we ask for your patience and understanding.We remain focused on the recovery and restoration of our electrical system while supporting families affected by this tragedy," the company said Thursday. . "We ask you to pray for the families of our fallen comrades and for the safety of our field linemen on the ground, working tirelessly to give you back the power."
Barrett and Cecil have been employed by Lee Electric Construction Inc. for five months and six years respectively. The power line construction company based in Aberdeen, North Carolina, has also released a statement on social media.
"Our deepest condolences go out to their family and friends, keep them in your thoughts and prayers while they are going through an extremely difficult time," the company said.
The victims died while the Panhandle was trying to recover from the damage caused by the Category 4 storm, which killed at least 29 people in Florida.
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