A 23-year-old from Florahome, a firefighter with Jacksonville Fire Rescue, was killed in a traffic crash on State Road 26 in Melrose. The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 25, at 2:30 a.m.
As a result, the road was closed for several hours, diverting traffic to other areas of Melrose.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, the 23-year-old who was driving a white Tesla was traveling eastbound on SR-26. The driver of the sedan lost control of the vehicle, struck a sign on the westbound shoulder, and then struck multiple trees. The sedan then overturned on its roof and came to final rest on the westbound shoulder of SR-26 facing northbound.
According to the Melrose Fire Department, the 23-year-old was transported to the hospital by Putnam County Fire Rescue.
A Facebook post from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said, “Our hearts go out to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the family and friends of Rescue Engineer Colton Tibbetts (23). Tibbetts, a second-generation firefighter, passed away in a single-vehicle crash in another county. We have the utmost respect for those who put their lives on the line to protect the people of our great city. He chose public service as a career, following in his father’s footsteps. We send our deepest condolences to all affected by his tragic passing and offer our support to our brothers and sisters at JFRD, however possible.”
It is currently unknown whether speed was a factor or if the driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
