Chipley, Florida—Three visiting linemen helping to restore power after Hurricane Michael were killed last night in a hit-and-run accident involving a drunk driver.
The men who died have been identified as George Cecil, age 52, of Cole Rain, NC, and James Ussery, age 60, of Chipley, according to the Florida Highway Patrol news release. The third linemen, Ryan Barrett, age 22, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, died after being hospitalized in critical condition.
The linemen were hit about 6:50 p.m. Wednesday and John Roland Goedtke, age 37, of Tampa, was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail. He has been charged with felony DUI manslaughter, felony vehicular homicide, felony leaving the scene. Additional charges are pending.
Florida Troopers said he was driving a pickup hauling a trailer and drove onto the grass shoulder and hit the three linemen, then left the scene.
Troopers say Cecil and Barrett were employed with Lee Electric Construction while Ussery was employed by West Florida Electric Cooperative.
West Florida Electric Cooperative has shared a post on Facebook about the loss of the three men:
“As we mourn the loss of our friends and coworkers, we ask for your patience and understanding. We remain focused on the recovery and restoration of our electric system while supporting the families affected by this tragedy. We ask that you pray for the families of our fallen comrades and for the safety of our linemen in the field working tirelessly to restore your power.”
The men who died have been identified as George Cecil, age 52, of Cole Rain, NC, and James Ussery, age 60, of Chipley, according to the Florida Highway Patrol news release. The third linemen, Ryan Barrett, age 22, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, died after being hospitalized in critical condition.
The linemen were hit about 6:50 p.m. Wednesday and John Roland Goedtke, age 37, of Tampa, was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail. He has been charged with felony DUI manslaughter, felony vehicular homicide, felony leaving the scene. Additional charges are pending.
Florida Troopers said he was driving a pickup hauling a trailer and drove onto the grass shoulder and hit the three linemen, then left the scene.
Troopers say Cecil and Barrett were employed with Lee Electric Construction while Ussery was employed by West Florida Electric Cooperative.
West Florida Electric Cooperative has shared a post on Facebook about the loss of the three men:
“As we mourn the loss of our friends and coworkers, we ask for your patience and understanding. We remain focused on the recovery and restoration of our electric system while supporting the families affected by this tragedy. We ask that you pray for the families of our fallen comrades and for the safety of our linemen in the field working tirelessly to restore your power.”
Linemen from area public utilities, including Paris Board of Utilities, Gibson Electric and West Kentucky Rural Electric have also assisted in restoration of power in other states after Hurricane Michael.