Pedestrian Killed in Late-Night Crash on State Highway 77 in Jackson County

A tragic pedestrian crash in Jackson County, Florida, claimed the life of a young man early Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The fatal incident occurred at approximately 12:33 a.m. on State Highway 77, between Graceville and Chipley. FHP reports that a 22-year-old man from Caryville, Florida, was attempting to cross the roadway when he was struck by two separate vehicles traveling in opposite lanes.

One of the vehicles involved was a pickup truck driven by a man from Newton, Alabama. The second vehicle was an SUV driven by a 35-year-old woman from Chipley, who was traveling in the other lane at the time of the collision.

The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Florida Highway Patrol has not released the names of the drivers involved, which is standard practice in many traffic investigations. At this time, no charges have been announced, and troopers have not indicated whether impairment, speed, lighting conditions, or roadway visibility may have played a role.

The crash remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact sequence of events and contributing factors.

Fatal pedestrian accidents frequently occur during late-night or early-morning hours, when visibility is reduced and drivers may have limited reaction time. Common contributing factors in pedestrian fatalities include:

• Poor roadway lighting
• High-speed traffic corridors
• Limited crosswalk access
• Driver inattention
• Pedestrians attempting to cross multi-lane highways

State Highway 77 is a high-speed roadway, and collisions involving pedestrians in these environments often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Legal Options After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law, depending on the circumstances. Even when multiple vehicles are involved, liability may still exist based on factors such as:

• Failure to use due care
• Speed or failure to reduce speed
• Inadequate lighting or roadway design
• Failure to avoid a pedestrian when reasonably possible

A full investigation — beyond the initial crash report — is often critical to understanding what truly happened.

Any loss of life on Florida roadways is devastating, particularly when it involves a young person. As the investigation continues, our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

If you or someone you love has questions following a fatal pedestrian crash, speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help clarify rights, options, and next steps while allowing families the space they need to grieve.