Driver Killed, Passenger Seriously Injured in Rollover Crash in Gulf County

A late-night rollover crash in Gulf County claimed the life of a driver and left a passenger seriously injured on Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

FHP reported that the crash occurred at approximately 11:44 p.m. on County Road 381, east of Shady Drive, in Gulf County.

A 40-year-old woman from Crystal River was driving a pickup truck westbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway. Troopers said the driver attempted to re-enter the road but overcorrected, causing the truck to cross to the opposite side of the roadway and lose control.

The pickup truck then overturned multiple times. During the rollover, the driver was ejected from the vehicle, officials said.

A Gulf County deputy arrived at the scene and immediately began life-saving measures, including CPR, until Gulf County EMS personnel arrived.

Despite these efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene upon EMS arrival.

The passenger, a 30-year-old woman from Wewahitchka, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local emergency room for treatment. Her current condition has not been publicly released.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit is actively investigating the crash. At this time, officials have not released details regarding potential contributing factors such as speed, roadway conditions, or seatbelt use.

Single-vehicle rollover crashes are among the most dangerous types of traffic accidents and often result in severe or fatal injuries, particularly when occupants are ejected. Factors that commonly contribute to rollover crashes include:

• Overcorrection after leaving the roadway
• Loss of vehicle control at higher speeds
• Roadway or shoulder conditions
• Tire failure or mechanical issues
• Failure to wear seatbelts

Ejection from a vehicle significantly increases the risk of fatal injuries in rollover accidents.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash

When a fatal rollover crash occurs, surviving family members may have legal options under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, depending on the circumstances.

Investigations often examine whether additional factors played a role, including:

• Roadway design or maintenance issues
• Vehicle defects or tire failures
• Unsafe shoulders or lack of guardrails
• Mechanical problems or recalls

If negligence or unsafe conditions contributed to the crash, families may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in serious and fatal vehicle accidents throughout Florida, including rollover crashes in rural areas.

We intentionally keep a small caseload, allowing families to work directly with experienced attorneys. Our firm acts quickly to:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Analyze roadway and vehicle conditions
• Review crash reconstruction findings
• Identify all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

Families pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your loved one was killed in a rollover crash or serious traffic accident, you do not have to navigate this difficult time alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families across Gulf County and throughout Florida, and we are committed to helping families seek accountability, answers, and justice after tragic loss.