FL Strawberry Festival Announcer 1 Of 3 Killed By Dump Truck: Festival

Updated: 10:49 a.m., Wednesday

BRADENTON, FL — Three people are dead after an SUV was hit by a dump truck in Parrish, according to a Florida Highway Patrol news release.

Those killed in the crash were identified as the Florida Strawberry Festival’s longtime announcer, Randy Scott, his wife, Jill Scott, and her sister, Judy Cook, the festival wrote in a Facebook post.

The victims, all Plant City residents, weren't named by the highway patrol. They were identified only as a 71-year-old man in the driver’s seat, and his passengers, a 71-year-old woman and 80-year-old woman, the agency said. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash happened Monday on County Road 675 near 161st Avenue East just before 2 p.m.
The dump truck was traveling west on County Road 675, while the SUV was driving east on the road as they both entered a curve, troopers said.

The truck drifted into the north shoulder, overcorrecting left and crossing the road into the south shoulder. At the same time, the SUV driver swerved right, trying to avoid the truck, and moved into the south shoulder.

The truck's front hit the front of the SUV in the south shoulder, FHP said.

The dump truck's driver, a 59-year-old Palmetto man, suffered minor injuries and was brought to Manatee Memorial Hospital.

“As the voice of the Festival, Mr. Randy’s dedication to our 11-day event was immeasurable. From singing the national anthem each morning to serenading us with ‘Happy Trails’ each night, Mr. Randy’s song will forever be missed,” the festival wrote on Facebook. “He was a beloved employee of the Festival, where his time and talents were always put to great use. Everyone's admiration for Mr. Randy started with just him — his sweet demeanor, steadfast spirit, quiet confidence and genuine concern for others.”

His wife “was the jewel of Mr. Randy’s eye,” the festival added. “If you could catch a glimpse of her, she would often be seen working fervently behind the scenes to help support her family. Her willingness to serve others and desire to show appreciation for others set her apart from the rest. The Scotts were true servants whose reach extended far behind the Festival grounds. Their presence will be greatly missed within our community.”