Deidre Myers
news@greenepublishing.com
On Saturday, Feb. 13, just before 3 p.m. a tragic vehicle accident took place at the intersection of County Road 150 and State Road 53 North in Cherry Lake, claiming two lives.
Justin, 32, and Nicole Surles, 25, of Cherry Lake, were traveling east on County Road 150 with two of their daughters: Leighton, 8, and Ashlynn, 6. According to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) press release, their vehicle stopped at the intersection then proceeded forward, directly into the path of a log truck, heading north on State Road 53. As a result, the log truck hit the passenger side of the Surles' SUV.
Nicole, who was 36 weeks pregnant, was taken to South Georgia Medical Center, in Valdosta, by ambulance where she succumbed to the injuries sustained from the accident. Attempts were made to save both her life as well as Sawyer Robert Surles, who was due March 12. Nicole was scheduled for a caesarean section on March 5 to welcome baby Sawyer into this world. Justin, Leighton and Ashlynn were transported by a separate ambulance to South Georgia Medical Center. Justin was later released and Leighton and Ashlynn were transported to Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville.
Leighton suffered a brain bleed but is expected to fully recover.
Ashlynn suffered a fractured humerus and some internal bleeding but is also expected to make a full recovery.
Justin and Nicole's other daughter, Everlee, was not in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Nicole is the daughter of Clay and Donna Blair, of Madison.
As of press time, the family had not yet made funeral arrangements for Nicole and Sawyer.
There has been a GoFundMe account organized to help the family financially as well as an account at the Madison County Community Bank. To donate to the GoFundMe, visit gf.me/u/ziwiwm. To donate at the local Madison County Community Bank, simply drop a check off at the bank.
Madison County EMS, Madison County Fire Rescue, Madison County Sheriff's Office, Cherry Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the Florida Highway Patrol all assisted at the scene.