May 18, 2013
UPDATED 10.4.2012 by Julie Montanaro
There's been an arrest in a deadly crash that killed a former Lincoln High School football player.
28-year-old Rona Hawkins was killed in a crash on Highway 98 in Carrabelle back on April 17th.
Troopers say an SUV spun out on a curve, flipped over, struck a tree and caught fire. Hawkins was thrown from the car and killed.
Today, the Franklin County Sheriff confirmed Rebecca Ann Padowitz was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter in the crash.
He cites crash reports which say her blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit that day at .170.
The day of the crash was also Padowitz's 23rd birthday.
Carrabelle, FL - April 17, 2012
Sopchoppy Mayor, Colleen Skipper is mourning the loss of her son.
28-year-old Rona Lavon Hawkins, Jr. died in a car crash Tuesday night around 9:30. He was Skipper's son and a passenger in the car.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers responded to the accident. The 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee struck a tree stump on U.S. 98, East of Carrabelle near Lake Morality Road.
According to the accident report, the jeep spun-out counterclockwise after entering a curve. The vehicle flipped, ejected Hawkins and landed upside down after striking a tree. The Jeep then caught on fire.
There were three others in the car. They survived. According to FHP, Rebecca Ann Padowitz was also a passenger. She is sustaining serious injuries and is currently being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
Julian Collins was another passenger. Investigators say he was the only one wearing a seat belt. He has no injuries.
Hawkins was a graduate of Lincoln High School.
Sopchoppy Mayor, Colleen Skipper is mourning the loss of her son.
28-year-old Rona Lavon Hawkins, Jr. died in a car crash Tuesday night around 9:30. He was Skipper's son and a passenger in the car.
Hawkins is a graduate of Lincoln High School.
We're confirming more information with Florida Highway Patrol. We'll update you as soon as we know more.
