Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragic ATV Crash Claims the Lives of Two Young Men in Crescent City

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefit Fund, Inc., established by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, has announced the funeral arrangements for 20-year-old Tanner A. Gillespie, who lost his life in a devastating ATV crash in Crescent City, Putnam County, on November 18th. The accident, which occurred at the intersection of County Road 309 and Browns Fish Camp Road, also claimed the life of another man, whose identity has yet to be confirmed. Both victims were aspiring firefighters, with Gillespie having recently joined the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol crash report, Gillespie and the other man were riding an ATV behind a pickup truck, traveling south on CR 309. As the truck slowed down to make a turn, the ATV failed to brake in time and collided with the back of the truck. Tragically, both men were pronounced dead at the scene, while the occupants of the pickup truck escaped without any injuries.

The funeral service for Tanner A. Gillespie has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 10 a.m. It will take place at the Church of Eleven 22, located at 14286 Beach Blvd., in Jacksonville. Gillespie’s decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career with the JFRD was deeply appreciated by his family and the firefighting community.

The JFRD expressed their grief and heartfelt condolences in a statement released to First Coast News: “The JFRD family is mourning the loss of one of our own. This past weekend, Firefighter Tanner Gillespie was tragically killed in an off-duty accident. Tanner recently became a JFRD firefighter and had a bright future ahead of him. In his short time on the department, Tanner quickly developed a reputation as a skilled firefighter and a reliable colleague. Please keep Tanner’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.”

Authorities from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office have noted an increase in the number of golf carts and ATVs traveling on paved roads, which is illegal unless the vehicle is within a designated golf cart community like Welaka. However, the tragic incident involving Gillespie and the other victim took place several miles south of Welaka.

This devastating ATV crash serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with off-road vehicles on public roads. It is crucial for everyone to adhere to traffic regulations and prioritize safety to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Related Articles:

Two St. Augustine men dead after rear-ending pickup truck in Putnam County

Young Jacksonville firefighter identified as victim in fatal ATV crash

.