News Summary
A devastating accident on Perdido Key Drive led to the deaths of two pedestrians, including a University of Alabama student. Both victims were struck in the early morning hours by a driver in an unmarked patrol car. The incident has deeply affected the local community and raised concerns about pedestrian safety. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has sparked a wave of mourning among family and friends.
Pensacola, Florida – Tragic Early Morning Collision on Perdido Key Drive Claims Lives of Two Pedestrians
A tragic incident on Saturday morning resulted in the deaths of two pedestrians on Perdido Key Drive, including a University of Alabama student. The accident, which occurred just after 3 a.m. on State Road 292, has left the local community in mourning.
The deceased have been identified as Jackson Cunningham, a member of the Theta Chi fraternity and part of the 2022 pledge class, and a 20-year-old woman from Calera, Alabama. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
The incident involved a driver, identified as a 47-year-old man from Pensacola, who was behind the wheel of an unmarked Escambia County Sheriff’s Office patrol car at the time of the crash. The driver, returning home from an off-duty job, was not on duty or actively patrolling when the collision occurred and reported no injuries.
In response to the incident, the deputy involved has been placed on paid administrative leave as per department policy, while the Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Community Response
Cunningham’s passing has resonated throughout the University of Alabama community. He was remembered as a person of strong character and kindness, with the fraternity expressing that his impact on the lives of others would be felt forever. The community’s remembrance and grief reflect the profound loss felt due to this incident.
The identity of the female victim is currently being confirmed by local authorities. Updates regarding her identity and further details about the collision are expected as the investigation unfolds.
Background Information
Accidents involving pedestrians can often lead to severe consequences, underscoring the importance of road safety. This incident serves as a reminder to all motorists to remain vigilant, especially during late-night hours and in areas where foot traffic may be high.
The Florida Highway Patrol is examining various factors that contributed to this unfortunate collision, including the possible circumstances that led pedestrians to be on the roadway at such an early hour.
As the investigation continues, the Perdido Key community and the University of Alabama extend condolences to the families and friends of the victims, reflecting on the fragility of life and the suddenness of tragic accidents.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. The Florida Highway Patrol encourages anyone with information regarding the collision to come forward and assist in their ongoing investigation.
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Additional Resources
- WEAR TV
- Wikipedia: Perdido Key
- ABC 3340
- Google Search: Perdido Key accident
- North Escambia
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety
- FOX 10 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pedestrian Accidents
- WKRG News
- Google News: Perdido Key collision
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
