Parker Waichman LLP

Three Men Killed by Drunk Driver While Fixing Power Lines in Florida

CHIPLEY, FL. – October 25, 2018 – Three men who were fixing power lines damaged by the hurricane in Florida were struck and killed by a drunk driver on October 24, 2018. The driver was apprehended after fleeing the scene, according to an online news report from atlanta.cbslocal.com. Shortly before 7 p.m. on October 24, […]

Power Lines in FloridaCHIPLEY, FL. – October 25, 2018 – Three men who were fixing power lines damaged by the hurricane in Florida were struck and killed by a drunk driver on October 24, 2018. The driver was apprehended after fleeing the scene, according to an online news report from atlanta.cbslocal.com.

Shortly before 7 p.m. on October 24, 52-year-old George Cecil, 22-year-old Ryan Barrett, and 60-year-old James Ussery were working on the side of State Road 77 near Chipley, Florida. They were trying to repair a set of damaged power lines as part of continued restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.

As they were working, a northbound pickup truck veered into the shoulder of the road and struck all three men. The driver of the pickup, 37-year-old John Goedtke, of Thonotosassa, Florida, sustained minor injuries in the crash and reportedly abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene on foot.

All three workers died of their injuries. Cecil, of Cole Rain, North Carolina, and Barrett, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, worked for Lee Electric Construction Inc. Ussery, of Chipley, Florida, worked for West Florida Electric.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office tracked down and detained Goedtke after the crash, and Florida Highway Patrol placed him under arrest. He has been charged with DUI manslaughter, felony vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident. Troopers said additional charges are pending a full investigation. No further details regarding the Florida accident have been released at this time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 people die every day in the United States from motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. This breaks down to one alcohol-related vehicle accident fatality every 50 minutes. In 2016, the CDC indicates almost 10,500 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, which accounted for nearly 30 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States that year.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value Extremely professional, and honest , I highly recommend your law firm....
John Hillenbrand
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank Ms. Benita Rollis for all her help. She did a wonderful job helping me.
Tujuana Sanon
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Paralegal Tina assisted me in securing a settlement from VCF World Trade Center. Her performance was totally professional and thorough I would recommend her service to anyone.
reginald peavy
10 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038