JACKSON COUNTY | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
A tragic crash in Jackson County has claimed the life of a 9-year-old boy and left three other children critically injured.
According to a press release from the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred Sunday night, Feb. 15, on Sandridge Church Road in Grand Ridge.
Troopers say the 9-year-old boy was driving an ATV east from a private residence located at 3111 Sandridge Church Road. At the same time, a 27-year-old man from Sneads was traveling south on Sandridge Church Road, just north of Mary Lane, in an SUV.
Investigators report the ATV entered the southbound lane directly into the path of the SUV. The driver of the SUV attempted to brake but was unable to avoid the collision. The front of the SUV struck the left side of the ATV.
Authorities say the impact redirected the ATV in a southerly direction. All four children on the ATV — the 9-year-old driver and three passengers ages 4, 9, and 10 — were ejected and thrown southeast of the crash site.
The 9-year-old boy driving the ATV suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The three child passengers sustained critical injuries.
The SUV driver and his 21-year-old passenger were not injured.
Both vehicles came to rest north of Mary Lane, blocking both northbound and southbound lanes of Sandridge Church Road.
The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
