331 Accident Bad News

Driver charged with DUI manslaughter in Walton wreck
July 04, 2006
By Gwen Break, The Sun

Jesus Bernal Rangel, 32, of DeFuniak Springs, is charged with three counts of DUI manslaughter and two counts of serious bodily injury as the driver involved in a June 24 wreck that killed an Ohio couple and a male passenger in the Rangel vehicle.

A July 2 report by the Florida Highway Patrol said Rangel, who was originally identified only as Jesus Bernal, was booked into the Bay County Jail with no bound and is awaiting extradition to Walton County.
James D. Rook, 43, and Margie L. Rook, 41, both of Cincinnati, Ohio, were killed when their car was struck head on by a Ford F150 pick-up driven by Rangel on the north side of the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on U.S. Highway 331 shortly before 5 p.m.

According to the original report filed by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Rooks were southbound on 331 the Rangel vehicle crossed the center lane into the path of the Rooks? vehicle.

Rangel was taken by air ambulance to Bay Medical Center in serious condition.
Trooper R.M. Miller, who investigated the accident, reported that the Rangel vehicle went onto the right shoulder after passing another northbound vehicle. In his attempt to get back on the pavement, he overcorrected and crossed into the southbound lane.

Also killed was a 29-year-old passenger in the Rangel vehicle. His name still has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
Magan Doherty, 14, also of Cincinnati, a passenger in the Rook vehicle, was seriously injured and taken to Gulf Coast Hospital in Bay County. She has since been transferred to a Cincinnati hospital.

Kylie P. Rook, 14, Cincinnati, daughter of the couple, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Twin Cities Hospital, where she was treated and released.
The couple?s son and stepson, Chris Rook, 22, was driving another vehicle behind his parent?s vehicle and witnessed the accident.

James Rook had worked at Deaconess Hospital in Cincinnati for about 15 years. He was also drummer for a local band, Fast Forward. Fans and friends were posting messages on the band's Web site, www.thefastforwardband.com
Rangel and his passengers are employees of Apec Concrete Co. of Atlanta.

This still just makes me want to cry! How horrible for the son to have been behind them and witnessing the whole accident!:(

This still just makes me want to cry! How horrible for the son to have been behind them and witnessing the whole accident!:(

I know! I wasn't aware of this....makes it just that much worse!! :( :(

My neighbor told me today about the article. She mentioned something about them not being able to find a drivers license on record for the drunk driver, so they are assuming he is in this country illegally.
My neighbor just moved into her house with her family, we were renting them both to the Rooks family and friends. She doesn't think she'll ever be able to drive over it without thinking about the Rook family. For the 4th of July, I told my guests to come in Friday of they wanted to. I didn't mention the accident- just told them I thought it would be less headache coming in that day- traffic and all. They took my offer.

Personally I have not traveled over that bridge yet. I fly in, and so I take the Mid-Bay bridge over from the airport, and I make my husband drive because I have a hard time driving over bridges. Afraid of heights.
I won't be able to get down to SoWal until October, but I think we'll be ok once surrounded by some SoWalers we want to get together with, read my guest book and see how many good memories were made in our house, and come to terms with this may have been just God's will.

In the meantime, I get to look at the pictures and read y'all light- hearted funny posts to make my day............. :wub:

Mango, I went through a similar thing several years back. My exchange student was killed in a head-on accident by a crazy lady trying to kill herself. The crazy lady lived, not getting jail time due to insanity and Siri died just days after her 18th birthday. I was in shock for some time. Her parents were in Norway and we had many hurdles getting her back home. Her mom just couldn't get over the fact that she outlived her beautiful daughter. No matter what the circumstances, it's always a tragedy. Whether a parent loses a child or a child loses a parent. Just like the Rooks, Siri was loved by many and brought joy to everyone she touched.

I can only say to give yourself a little time. It wasn't sowal, it wasn't a saturday check in. It was senseless and out of your control. It can't be reasoned and I no longer try to make sense of any of it. I trust in my higher power that Siri is free and knows true happiness. Seems the hardest things to accept are those that we can't control.

Your reaction is merely a testament to the fact that you are a caring and compassionate person. You're right! Your home has given many people happiness. Maybe when their relationship was strained, maybe when they were fighting cancer or some other crisis, maybe it just fullfilled their dream of a once-in-a lifetime tropical vacation! You never know. :idontno:

Just give it time Mango and I promise you will come to peace with it. You'll be in my prayers.

Oh how terrible Cork! :( That must have been really tough for you.
Thanks for sharing because I know it must be difficult to talk about it still cause you seem to be a very caring person too. :wub:

Oh how terrible Cork! :( That must have been really tough for you.
Thanks for sharing because I know it must be difficult to talk about it still cause you seem to be a very caring person too. :wub:

you both are!:wub:

Oh how terrible Cork! :( That must have been really tough for you.
Thanks for sharing because I know it must be difficult to talk about it still cause you seem to be a very caring person too. :wub:

Over time, I've come to terms with it and each time something so sad happens it seems that it's preparing us for what life brings in later years. I have both of my parents still but they are in their 70's and I know that will be devastating as we're very close. Just one of the waves on the ocean that we have to ride.

Over time, I've come to terms with it and each time something so sad happens it seems that it's preparing us for what life brings in later years. I have both of my parents still but they are in their 70's and I know that will be devastating as we're very close. Just one of the waves on the ocean that we have to ride.

I feel like I have been riding a tsunami for the past year! 😱 Won't get into the gory details, serious illness still battling, hurricanes, the list goes on.
Every day has been struggle, but I try to get up and appreciate the good things I have and the people I love. :wub: Worked like a dog 14 hrs days for the past 7 years to get the things I have, and now being forced to smell the roses.I have left my summer open to enjoy my nephews while they are still young, and even though its difficult some days, I am out there riding the scooter, dancing the Hamster chicken dance in driveway, and blowing bubbles. 😀
But can't wait to really come home to SoWal.