A Blountstown native now living in Marianna was seriously injured in a crash that claimed the lives of a Kentucky woman and her son.
Erin Wells, 22, a member of the BHS Class of 2007, was transported to Southeast Alabama Hospital in Dothan following the two-car collision early Saturday in Jackson County.
Carolyn Phillips, 32, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Her 13-year-old son, Devon Miller, died at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola early Monday from injuries sustained in the accident.
Phillips’ husband, Victor, 27, was taken to Jackson Hospital with serious injuries. Their 10-year-old twins, Jordon and Seth Miller, were airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Jordon’s injuries were critical and Seth’s were described as serious.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Wells was southbound on SR 73 just after 6 a.m. Saturday, behind the wheel of a 1997 Ford Explorer. As Wells approached the intersection of Missouri Road, she crossed the center line, driving into the path of a 2007 Volkswagon Passat driven by Carolyn Phillips. The Volkswagon overturned and Wells’ SUVrotated, landing in the southbound lane.
The accident is being investigated by Trooper J. French. Charges are pending.
Friends of the Phillips family back in Kentucky are shocked over the tragedy. According to WKYT 27 NewsFirst, Carolyn and Victor Phillips recently earned their associate degrees while holding down full time jobs. The couple had taken a family vacation to celebrate. Their daughter was reportedly riding in a vehicle a few cars ahead with Carolyn’s parents. They had no idea the crash occurred until they reached Tennessee and were tracked down by Florida law enforcement officials.
The television news channel reported Devon Miller was “an outstanding student and basketball player” at his middle school. His mom was a preschool aide, active in the PTA, and had been honored as volunteer of the year. The school principal described her as “the epitome of the perfect mom.”
