Jacksonville, FL — A young couple died in a weekend head-on crash on U.S. 301 in Nassau County.
22-year-old Bailey McKnight of Bryceville and 21-year-old Ryan Kennedy of Jacksonville died in the crash late Saturday night at U.S. 301 and Thomas Trail Road. Family and friends tell Action News Jax that McKnight and Kennedy were expecting their first child together.
According to a crash report from Florida Highway Patrol, a Ford F-250 was traveling south on U.S. 301 in the northbound travel lane with no headlights on. After the head-on crash, the driver of the truck fled on foot.
Nassau County Sheriff’s Deputies found the driver near the crash scene, and 45-year-old Shawn Blitchington was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash involving death. FHP Sgt. Dylan Bryan says Blitchington was transported to a hospital to be treated for injuries.
Nassau County court records show Shawn Blitchington has multiple arrests dating back to 2005 for charges including driving under the influence, reckless driving, battery, and driving with a suspended license.
We are working to update the new charges he may be facing following Saturday night’s crash.