Fatal Crash in Gadsden County Involved FHP Trooper
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Updated: 9:43 AM Feb 14, 2012
Fatal Crash in Gadsden County Involved FHP Trooper
A fatal crash over the weekend involved an on-duty trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol.
Posted: 5:36 PM Feb 13, 2012
Reporter: Danielle Eldredge
Email Address: danielle.eldredge@wctv.tv

Fatal Crash in Gadsden County
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Quincy, FL--2/13/12

A fatal crash over the weekend involved an on-duty trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol.

This is more than a curvy country road in Gadsden County. It's the scene of a fatal accident. Michele Campbell from Quincy is dead after the car she was a passenger in, collided with a state trooper's patrol car Friday evening. Detrick McClellan, the FHP trooper, and Tennille Smith, the driver of Campbell's vehicle, are both at Tallahassee Memorial. Hospital reps say, McClellan is in "fair condition" and Smith is in "good condition."

According to the accident report, the trooper was heading southbound on County Road 268. For whatever reason, when the trooper started making the curve to the left he veered off onto the shoulder. At that point it appears as though the trooper was trying to regain control and ended up in the northbound lane. At that point his car collided with the car Campbell was riding in.

FHP says it could be up to 60 days until we know exactly what happened and who is at fault.

"If he is found at-fault what is protocol?" said Eldredge.

"At the end of the investigation, if he is found at fault, this incident will be compared to other incidents, and we'll take the appropriate action," said Lt. Jeff Frost with FHP.

FHP is investigating the crash. Frost says there are no plans to call in an outside agency. He says it is standard procedure for FHP to investigate crashes that involve its own troopers.

We did speak to the victim's family today. They're still in shock and have no comment. We'll be keeping up with this case as it unfolds.

**Note** For more information including official FHP crash reports click on the link below titled [UPDATE] One Dead in Gadsden County Car Accident.

[UPDATE] February 12, 2012-- 11:30 am

The passanger in the Mitsubishi Galant, Michelle Campbell, died at 12:01 am February 11, 2012, from injuries sustained in this crash. The other vehicle involved in the crash, a Ford CV, was a marked Florida Highway Patrol vehicle. The driver of the CV, Detrick McClellan, and the driver of the Galant, Tennille Smith, were both taken to the hospital in serious condition.

______________________________________________________
Quincy , Florida -- February 10, 2012 --

A 2006 Ford CV being driven by Detrick McClellan, 33, was traveling southbound on County Road 268 north of Moore Road in the southbound lane entering a curve to the left. A 2006 Mitsubishi Galant was traveling northbound on County Road 268 north of Moore Road in the northbound lane approaching the same curve.

For unknown reasons, the Ford traveled off of the roadway onto the shoulder on the west side of the road. McClellan attempted to reenter the roadway causing the Ford to travel out of control. While the Ford was traveling side ways across the northbound lane, the front of the Galant collided with the right side of the Ford.which came to a rest facing north on the east side shoulder of County Road 268.

The Galant came to rest facing east partially in the northbound lane and partially on the east shoulder. The driver Tennille Smith, 35, and his passenger Michelle Campbell, 51 were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Campbell is listed in critical condition, while Smith is treated for serious injuries.

Charges are pending at this time.

The Gadsden County Sheriff's Office, Gadsden EMS, and Quincy Fire Department assisted the Florida Highway Patrol with this crash scene.


Latest Comments

Posted by: someone who knows Location: New York, NY on Feb 22, 2012 at 03:41 PM

He was responding & enroute to a call when the incident occured. Next time you negative naysayers have an emergency why not call one another. One of the largest problems with this society is people have no respect for authority. I am not looking to blame anyone but as a driver you are supposed to remain in control of your vehicle at all times. The trooper lost control of his vehicle granted but did the car that was driven by Ms. Smith lose control as well? I'm just asking.
Posted by: Saved4Real Location: Gadsden County on Feb 19, 2012 at 09:10 PM

Pray that God will heal on both sides.
Posted by: Just Me Location: Jackson Co. on Feb 19, 2012 at 04:42 PM

You know why charges are "pending" & fault has not been identified? Why waste the time? it seems as there are enough experts on here who have already solved it. Seriously, it is evident who is at fault at 1st look (trooper), but the "why" is important too, did a tire blow out, kid run in the road, etc. I too am curious, but I'll wait & see what happens, then IF it seems odd, I'll get my drawers in a wad & say something. Another thought: How many major crashes does Quincy PD investigate? Do you really want them "learning" on something this important? Nah, I didn't think so.
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