An Altha man was killed and his passenger injured in a motorcycle accident in Leon County Saturday.
Thomas Bradley Brown, 60, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Cynthia F. Parrish, 52, currently of Tallahassee, but originally from Blountstown, was airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital in serious condition.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Brown was driving a 2003 Harley Davidson, headed northbound on Smith Creek Road with Parrish riding with him. Around 4:45 p.m., the motorcycle traveled off the roadway onto the east shoulder and overturned, ejecting Brown and Parrish. They were both wearing helmets.
FHP Tpr. G. Reed investigated the crash. The FHP was assisted by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Tallahassee Fire Department, and Leon County EMS.
A longtime employee of the Department of Corrections, Brad was well known to those working in area prisons. For several years, Brad worked with inmates in the carpentry program at CaCI and coordinated numerous projects for non-profit groups, including the “Elves in Blue” that made wooden toys for area children. At the time of his death, he was working as a vocational instructor for the Washington County school district.
Anyone on Facebook that clicks on Brown’s page can see how much he will be missed. “I want to thank everyone for their kind words, thoughts and prayers,” his daughter, Bonnie Brown Smith, remarks on the page. “It means so much to know how much he was loved by everyone. Please post a memory or a story you may have of my dad. I love hearing them. Thanks again, I know you all were very special to him.”
Brad loved riding his motorcycle and one person noted how much he was looking forward to seeing his friend, Cindy, Saturday and going on a ride together.
Friends of Parrish say she is stable, but has extensive injuries. She remains in ICU at TMH with multiple broken bones and a punctured lung.
A funeral service for Brown will be held today, Wednesday, Apr. 14, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Wewa. A candlelight vigil will follow at dusk in Jehu Cemetery in Wewa. Brown’s complete obituary is on page 10 in the print edition.
