Published: July 30, 2008 04:47 pm            

Man survives head on collision

"It's a miracle," says his wife

A Branford man was seriously injured early Sunday morning, July 20, in a crash on CR 252 a mile east of CR 49.

Scott McCullough, who has worked as a surveyor for PCS at White Springs for more than 25 years, was on his way to work at about 5:55 a.m. when he topped a hill and met a vehicle coming toward him in the wrong lane, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports. McCullough said he did not have time to react.

McCullough, 49, was trapped in his 1996 Jeep Cherokee for approximately ten minutes before Suwannee County Fire/Rescue could reach him.

"I'm very thankful, and give God the glory that the vehicle didn't catch fire and that I was able to get in touch with my wife, Phyllis, and I also called 911 myself," Scott told the News. "The area I was in is sometimes a dead area, and many times I've been unable to get a phone signal there."

Lauren Edwards, 27, of Columbiana, Ala. was the driver of the 2005 Lexus that struck McCullough, said FHP.

Edwards was westbound on CR 252 approaching CR 49 and McCullough eastbound on CR 252, say authorities. According to FHP, the vehicle driven by Edwards crossed the centerline and into the eastbound lane. Edwards' vehicle struck McCullough's in the left front, according to FHP.

McCullough's vehicle came to final rest off the south side of the roadway facing northeast. Edwards' Lexus came to final rest off the south side of the roadway facing west.

The report stated all standardized field sobriety exercises were given to the Edwards, which she passed. Edwards reportedly told authorities she had been talking on her cell phone. She was charged with failing to drive in single lane.

The report stated both drivers had their seat belts in use.

Estimated damages on the Lexus were $8,000. The jeep sustained $5,000 in damages, according to the report.

McCullough suffered a broken left foot and a broken right leg. According to his wife he has undergone surgery and is expected to undergo several months of healing and therapy.

"He will be in a wheelchair for a while," said Phyllis McCullough.

Scott McCullough returned home the end of last week and according to Phyllis is confined to a wheelchair but is doing well.

"It will just take time." she said.

Scott and Phyllis both gave God the glory for his even being alive.

"It's a miracle," said Phyllis in a telephone conversation the day following the crash.

Scott McCullough was transported to Shands of Live Oak, stabilized and then transported to Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Edwards suffered minor injuries.

Phyllis McCullough told the News that her husband seldom works on Sunday but his job as a surveyor required it on that day.

Trooper J. R. Tillie was the investigating officer for FHP.

        

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