Published: July 01, 2008 05:15 pm      

Crash kills 1 in Branford

Near head-on impact claims a life

jeff.waters@gaflnews.com



A Suwannee County man was killed Monday morning in a near head-on crash near Branford.

Joshua Franklin Votano, 28, of 23025 41st Drive, Lake City, died when his 1993 Ford was struck nearly head on by a 1997 Cadillac driven by Donald Robert Davis Jr., 29, of 3383 280th Street, Branford, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports.

Davis was northbound on CR 137 when he crossed the centerline, striking Votano, who was traveling southbound, said FHP. Davis' vehicle rotated counterclockwise before coming to a rest on the east shoulder facing southwest. Votano's vehicle rotated clockwise coming to a final rest facing west.

Votano was ejected from the driver's side window and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to reports.

The crash occurred at about 6:35 a.m.

Davis suffered minor injuries.

Although Votano had a Lake City address he lived in Suwannee County in the Ranchettes area.

Neither driver was wearing a seatbelt.

An investigation is ongoing.