High Springs Man Killed After Being Struck by Truck

HIGH SPRINGS – A 68-year-old High Springs man died Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after he was struck by a pickup truck while walking near U.S. Highway 27/State Road 45, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The incident occurred around 11:13 a.m. near Northwest 172^nd Avenue. Authorities identified the pedestrian as Joseph Vincent Baxter Jr., who was in the roadway for unknown reasons. His presence reportedly caused traffic to back up in both directions.

A 66-year-old Newberry man driving a pickup truck was traveling north on U.S. 27/SR 45 and swerved onto the east shoulder in an attempt to avoid stopped traffic, troopers said. At the same time, Baxter also moved toward the east shoulder and was struck by the vehicle.

Baxter was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The driver of the pickup and his passenger, a 32-year-old Newberry man, were not injured. It is unknown whether either occupant was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident.

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