Tragic Accident Claims Three On Highway 97, Including Father And 2-Year-Old Son

January 29, 2008

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A father and his 2-year old son were killed in a wreck on Highway 97 south of Walnut Hill at 2:56 Monday afternoon, and the driver of a second vehicle died a few hours later from her injuries.

Richard Danny Marlow, 40, and Drew Marlow, 2, both of Molino, were killed when their 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup was hit by a pickup driven by Joyce McGahan, 70, of Cantonment, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The FHP says McGahan ran off the road in her 2007 Chevrolet Z-71 and traveled down the grassy shoulder southbound on Highway 97. She then over-corrected, and her pickup began to rotate. Marlow, northbound on Highway 97, took evasive action and entered the ditch on the northbound side of the roadway. McGahan’s vehicle then entered the northbound ditch and landed partially on top of Marlow’s vehicle and then rotated around to its side, still in the northbound ditch. Both vehicles were traveling at 55 mph at the time of the crash, troopers said.

Marlow and his son were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the FHP. McGahan was taken by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where she later died at 6:56 p.m.

Richard Marlow was not wearing seatbelt, and his son Drew was not properly restrained in car seat, according to the investigating trooper. McGahan was wearing a seatbelt.

The accident happened on Highway 97, about one mile south of Tungoil Road. Traffic on Highway 97 was slowed until about 7:30 Monday night while the investigation continued.

NorthEscambia.com was among the first on the scene Monday afternoon, arriving before emergency personnel. For more NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos from the accident, click here.

Have a comment or message for the families? NorthEscambia.com is accepting comments about the accident and messages/memorials to the families. You may leave your comments by clicking here for our comment form. Approved comments will be posted here later Tuesday. Your first name only will be posted along with your submission. Click here for the Memorial Message Board.

Pictured above: The front of the two pickups involved in Monday’s tragic wreck on Highway 97. Richard Marlow and his 2-year-old son Drew Marlow were killed in the gray pickup on the left. The driver of the second pickup, Joyce McGahan died later at Sacred Heart Hospital. Below: Another view of the scene. Click either photo to enlarge.

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