Late on the evening of November 18, a tragic accident occurred in Putnam County, Florida. A pickup truck and an ATV collided on Putnam County Road 309, resulting in the deaths of two ATV passengers. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to sources close to the situation, one of the deceased individuals was identified as 20-year-old Tanner Gillespie, a firefighter with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD). The Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefits Fund (JFDBF) was the first to report Gillespie’s death through an online statement.
The JFDBF revealed that Gillespie had recently begun his career with the JFRD just four months prior, on July 17, 2023, as a member of Recruit Class 2-23. After completing recruit school, he was assigned to Engine Company 30. It is worth noting that Gillespie’s father is a retired Lieutenant from the same department.
In a Facebook post, the JFDBF requested thoughts and prayers for the Gillespie family and friends during this difficult time.
The accident took place around 11 p.m. when the ATV was approaching the intersection at Browns Fish Camp. Simultaneously, a pickup truck traveling in the same direction failed to complete a right turn. Although the pickup truck slowed down, the ATV was unable to stop in time, resulting in a collision.
As a result of the crash, both ATV passengers were thrown from the vehicle and landed on the roadway. Tragically, they were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the ATV was a 21-year-old man, and the passenger was identified as 20-year-old Tanner Gillespie.
Fortunately, the pickup truck, which had seven passengers in their early 20s, did not report any injuries.
More information about the accident will be provided as it becomes available.
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