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Saturday Night Crash Claims Life Of Motorcyclist On Highway 97
March 8, 2026
A motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a pickup truck on Saturday night on Highway 97.
The crash occurred about two miles south of Tungoil Road, or about six miles south of Walnut Hill.
The motorcyclist, a 54-year-old man from Stapleton, Alabama, was northbound on Highway 97 when he crossed the centerline, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The motorcycle collided head-on with a Ford F150 driven by a 63-year-old Milton man.
After collision, the vehicles traveled nearly 200 feet south until coming to rest on the shoulder of the roadway. The motorcyclist was pronounced deceased on the scene by first responders.
The driver of the pickup truck and his 54-year-old female passenger were transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital with minor injuries.
The Molino and Walnut Hill Stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded.
Highway 97 was completely closed and detoured for about four hours.
NortheEcambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
10 Responses to “Saturday Night Crash Claims Life Of Motorcyclist On Highway 97”
Let’s not waste any more taxpayer dollars on signage or flashing lights! That will not fix complacency, that is the real problem! People get complacent behind the wheel, not realizing what two heavy vehicles will do when they collide! I know, I am a below the knee amputee because of a complacent driver. I was on a motorcycle on hwy 285 in May of 23 when a complacent driver in a 15’ box truck crossed the line and hit me. I was in the hospital for the whole month of May! Pay attention when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle people! It is a personal responsibility to pay attention so this way everyone makes it home safe! Put down the cell phones or anything else that is distracting while driving, it’s not worth a life! ACCOUNTABILITY, this is partially what’s wrong with America, no one is accountable for their own actions anymore!
Mae Wallace – I am so sorry for your loss. Will keep your family in my prayers.
To Voices of Pensacola – I live on Hwy 99 in Barrineau Park, the speed limit on that road is 55. You think people pay attention to that…..NO.
Putting up a bright light will not help once people get used to seeing it.
Also, roads are NOT dangerous; the people driving are! Have you ever seen a road come up and cause an accident?? Roads are flat surfaces that don’t move, so they do not cause accidents.
This was my nephew who was killed in this crash I am heartbroken but he rest now with his mom and dad please keep our family and your prayers as we deal with this and thank you all my prayers are with the other people too
“….designate certain rural state roadways with speed limits of 55 to 65 mph as being a “Particularly Dangerous Florida Roadway”
“…(bright red and yellow) should be posted every mile of the route to remind drivers…”
My goodness; no amount of “flashing” stuff and signage will keep folks from crossing the center line contributing a head on collision. It takes mental/self awareness of current conditions/situation, experience and focus.
The Florida Legislature needs to adopt legislation to designate certain rural state roadways with speed limits of 55 to 65 mph as being a “Particularly Dangerous Florida Roadway”. The designation should be based on the number of fatalities, injuries, and accidents. Signage (bright red and yellow) should be posted every mile of the route to remind drivers of the designation. And funds should be provided with priority! Removal of the designation could only occur when 5 years of statistics show marked reductions in accidents, not just installed safety features.
Residents and visitors have a right to know that a state roadway is a high risk road. Counties might adopt similar standards.
I was OTW home last night about 9 pm. I came up over a small hill and almost plowed into the end of the line! For some reason, that stretch n of 97 is very dangerous. Prayers for all involved and thier families.
My prayers and condolences for all involved !
May we all know ….
“Know one is guaranteed tomorrow” !
May we all know and decide today ,
“Where do we want to spend
Spiritual Eternity ” ?
I lost a Dear Brother ,
John Elmer Merritt , in a motor vehicle
accident in 1983 !
The emotional pain is with me
everyday !
I trust in God’s words and promises ,
I will see Him (God ) and John again ,
in Heaven when my death on earth
arrives !
Praying for all involved
Prayers for all involved an their families.