A Bristol man is clinging to life following a single vehicle crash last Wednesday night.
James Oren Shuler, 20, is in critical condition at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Shuler was northbound on CR 379 just before 11 p.m. in a 2002 Toyota pickup. When he was about a half mile south of SR 12, Shuler failed to negotiate a curve and drove across the southbound lane, traveling off the roadway and entering the west shoulder. He attempted to steer back onto the highway and the truck began to slide sideways across the road and onto the east shoulder. The vehicle then rotated counter clockwise and slid on the east shoulder, striking a tree with the right rear side. The truck continued in a northerly direction on the east shoulder, striking several trees. The vehicle then overturned and ejected Shuler onto the east shoulder. The truck came to rest upright on it’s wheels facing east. A passing motorist reportedly spotted the wreckage, discovered Shuler and called for help.
Shuler was airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where surgery was performed due to head injuries. At press time, he remained in critical condition with swelling to the brain. Family members ask for continued prayers from the community.
The accident was investigated by Cpl. H. Brown of the Florida Highway Patrol who noted that Shuler was not wearing a seatbelt. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department and EMS assisted at the scene.
