WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA/WMBB/WNCN) – Three linemen who were working to restore power in the Panhandle after Hurricane Michael were hit and killed Wednesday night by a hit-and-run driver from Tampa, deputies say.

Two of the linemen were from North Carolina. 

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 37-year-old John Goedtke, of Tampa, was traveling northbound on State 77 towing a U-Haul trailer. Goedtke’s vehicle left the roadway and struck three utility workers attempting to restore power in the area.

Killed in the crash were Chipley, Florida, resident James Ussery, 60, along with George Cesil, 52, of Colerain, North Carolina.

A third lineman, Ryan Barrett, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, was taken to Southeast Medical Center by helicopter in critical condition.

Barrett died from his injuries, the family confirmed to CBS 17. 

Ussery is employed by West Florida Electric Cooperative. Barrett and Cesil are employees of Lee Electric Construction Inc.

Lee Electric posted a statement on their Facebook page regarding the incident:

Deputies say Goedtke ran away from the crash scene after his truck ended up in a ditch, but was spotted and detained by a Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Goedtke has been arrested in Hillsborough County 27 times since he was 19 years-old, according to jail records.

In the past he’s been in trouble for drugs, battery, driving with a suspended or revoked license, grand theft, grand theft of motor vehicle, fraudulent use of a credit card, burglary, felony fleeing to elude, reckless driving, and resisting an officer with violence.

Goedtke is facing charges of felony DUI manslaughter, felony vehicular homicide, felony leaving the scene and additional charges are pending, authorities said.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.

Ryan Barrett’s family released a statement to the media Friday morning regarding his death:

On behalf of Ryan Barrett’s entire family, we thank all of those from around the country who have sent their thoughts and prayers for our son in the hours following this tragedy.  We know that many of you will join us as we continue to carry Ryan in our hearts forever.  

Ryan wanted nothing more than to help others.   In the days following Hurricane Florence he was ready to help restore power to those affected by the storm’s devastation.  He never complained and was excited to do the same for those impacted by Hurricane Michael.  

We want to thank emergency services and the hospital workers who cared for Ryan. They grieved with us. They were the most amazing and loving people. Our hearts are grateful for their every effort.

We know that many of you will join us as we continue to carry Ryan in our hearts forever.

At this time, our family asks that we be allowed the time to process our devastating loss and share our grief in private.  We also grieve for the other families impacted.  

Again, thank you for the outpouring of love and support that has been shared. We remain forever grateful.”