SR Beach Couple Killed in Accident

[SHELLY]

Early morning accident kills Santa Rosa Beach couple
Staff Reports
2007-04-25
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A Santa Rosa Beach couple is dead after a 2:30 a.m. accident today on U.S. Highway 98 near the intersection with Sandestin Boulevard.

Roberta Mahaffey, who was 72, died at the scene. Her husband, 75-year-old Ernest Mahaffey, was flown to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where he later died.

The Mahaffey?s van was struck by a Jeep Wrangler driven by 19-year-old Nicholas Chesser of Destin, according to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol. Chesser?s vehicle crossed the center line and struck the Mahaffey?s van. Chesser was flown to Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, where he is in serious condition.

Neither the Mahaffeys nor Chesser were wearing seatbelts, according to the reports.

 

[kathydwells]

 

[organicmama]

I second the and add some . It's just sad.

 

[Ocean Lover]

It is very sad...I really can't believe they weren't wearing seatbelts. Well maybe the 19 year old maybe I can understand but the older couple? Also make me wonder what they were doing out so late.

 

[seagrovelover]

Very sad...............and no seatbelts

 

[beachmouse]

They were apparently carriers for the Daily News, and the paper said something about them going out to pick up newspapers for delivery then.

As for the seatbelt issue, could be that they were the people who felt like they had never used them in other cars after 55 years of driving, and they didn't feel the need to start now.