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Truck hits SUV, killing its driver
The Highway Patrol says the truck driver, who was flown to a hospital, will face charges.
By JONATHAN ABEL
Published March 16, 2007
RIDGE MANOR - Richard Lowe was driving his flatbed Chevy to market Thursday morning, with one passenger and a load of produce. The 67-year-old Lowe rumbled north along U.S. 301, past Knoxville Drive, north of State Road 50. For some reason, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, Lowe took his truck into oncoming traffic. It was 8:20 a.m. Dean Elmquist, 53, was coming the other direction in his Ford Escape sport utility vehicle. They collided and Elmquist's SUV flipped over. Elmquist, of Webster, died at the scene. Lowe, from Lake Panasoffkee, was not wearing a seat belt. He was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital in serious condition. His passenger, Misty Schaub, 29, of Summerfield, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. FHP spokesman Larry Coggins said charges were pending against Lowe, though alcohol was not thought to be involved in the crash. Lowe was cited for careless driving in 2002 and 2003, according to records from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In 2005 he received a speeding ticket for driving 72 mph in a 45 mph zone. Parts of U.S. 301 were closed down for 21/2 hours, Coggins said. Produce from Lowe's truck was scattered all over the road. Times researcher Angie Drobnic Holan contributed to this report. Jonathan Abel can be reached at jabel@sptimes.com or 352 754-6114.
[Last modified March 15, 2007, 22:22:42]
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by Sandra
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11/17/07 10:06 AM
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Dean was my son. So much has been lost - his laugh, his wit, his love, his calls, his visits. There will be no more Thanksgiving Days, birthday celebrations, Christmas Eves with him. Many tears have been shed and many more to come. We miss you.
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by Tammi
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03/25/07 12:18 PM
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My heart aches for the pain that this person has caused you. I wish I could be there with you. I love you all.
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by mike
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03/19/07 08:10 PM
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my heart is with his famly. my prayers be with his wife beckey his son bill and grandchildren god love you all
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by Susan
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03/19/07 07:26 AM
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Bill - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a shame that we have people on the roads like this with no regard for human life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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by Liz
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03/18/07 05:09 PM
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I,agine kissing your husband goodbye at 8am. Imagine getting a call after 10 from his job asking where he is. Imagine driving 2 miles down from your home only to find your husbands vehicle crushed, lying on it's side. Imagine the loss... I can't.
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by Bill
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03/17/07 11:47 AM
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Why is it that the innocent drivers are the ones killed? And not the wreckless drivers that never learn from their mistakes. I can not express how I truly feel towards this Mr lowe for stealing the life of my dad.
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by Jim
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03/16/07 10:45 PM
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Mr. Lowe has no idea what he took from so many people who had so much affection and respect for Dean Elmquist. His absence has and will create a void which will be impossible to fill. Our hearts go out to his lovely wife, son, and grandchildren.
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by Darcy
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03/16/07 08:03 PM
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I certainly hope the driver has to face charges, he has no idea what a great human he has robbed us of by his careless and dangerous driving habits. To top it off, it is impled that this is not the first time...anyone else see something wrong here?!
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