Published: July 16, 2008 11:58 am            

Woman killed in crash

911 dispatcher leaves behind three children

jeff.waters@gaflnews.com



Live Oak resident Nikki Sheree Ford, 25, died Friday morning when her 2005 Ford left the roadway and struck a tree head-on, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports.

The crash occurred at about 6:05 a.m. on CR 49 about a mile and a half south of US 90. Ford was southbound on CR 49 when the vehicle crossed into the northbound lane and onto the northbound shoulder before striking a tree, said FHP. Ford, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene, say reports.

A dispatcher for the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, Ford had just completed a 12-hour shift when the crash occurred, according to dispatch supervisor Sheila Knight.

"She was a very nice, sweet, good person," Knight said.

Ford had worked as a dispatcher for about two and a half years, according to Sheriff Tony Cameron. He fondly remembered her Monday afternoon.

"Nikki was a very outgoing person, she was always in a good mood, was talkative and excited always," Cameron said. "She was a good employee who always did her best." Cameron said her law enforcement family would miss her greatly.

Friend and co-worker Joyce Davis remembered Ford as "always happy and jolly." And, she added, "she loved her kids."

Ford, a single mother, leaves behind three children, a six-year-old girl and two boys, ages 18 months and two months.

A memorial fund has been set up for Ford's children. It is asked that contributions be made to the fund in lieu of flowers. For more information contact Missy Norris at the sheriff's office at 386-362-2222.

        

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