Crashes in Alachua County Leave One Man Dead

ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ In High Springs, a Fort White man was killed in a crash on U.S. Highway 441 and Northwest 239^th Street on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at approximately 6:20 p.m. when the pickup truck he was driving was hit by oncoming traffic. The 71-year-old man driving the truck attempted to cross U.S. Hwy 441 from Northwest 239^th Street. His truck ended up in the path of an SUV driven by a 59-year-old High Springs woman.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the front of the SUV collided into the left side of the pickup truck, ejecting the driver of the truck who was not belted in.

The Fort White man was pronounced deceased at the scene by High Springs Fire Rescue. The High Springs woman driving the SUV reported no injuries.

All lanes of traffic were blocked at that intersection and traffic was re-routed for approximately three and a half hours as first responders worked the scene and FHP conducted their investigation.

In Waldo, drivers were told to expect major delays near the city after all northbound lanes of U.S. 301 were closed on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies say traffic was being diverted onto Cole Street until lanes could be reopened. A wrecker carrying another semi-truck was forced to take evasive action to avoid a car that pulled out in front of it.

The car was crushed but both occupants were reported with no serious injuries. Deputies say the semi crossed into the northbound lanes.

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