FORT WHITE – A captain with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office died when his utility terrain vehicle (UTV) crashed late Saturday night.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the UTV was headed eastbound on SW Illinois Street in Fort White around 10:30 p.m. when, for reasons still being investigated, the vehicle overturned in the roadway and the driver – identified by the CCSO as Captain Charles “Chuck” Brewington – was partially ejected.
According to FHP, Brewington died at the scene.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dear friend and co-worker,” Sheriff Mark Hunter said in a statement. “We appreciate Captain Brewington's long record of service to our community. We ask that the community keep his family and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to deal with this tremendous loss.”
Brewington, 54, had worked for the CCSO since 1991, serving in a variety of roles, most currently assigned to the Judicial Services Division, overseeing security operations of the Columbia County Courthouse.
Funeral arrangements are unknown as of Sunday afternoon, according to the CCSO.
FHP continues to investigate the crash.