COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Columbia County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the death of a long-time law enforcement employee, killed in a Saturday night crash in Fort White, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Just before 10:30 p.m., a 2017 Honda Pioneer was traveling east on Southwest Illinois Street when -- for unknown reasons -- the Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) overturned causing the driver, identified as Captain Charles “Chuck” Brewington, 54, to be partially ejected from the vehicle.
Brewington died on the scene, according to FHP.
“The loss of life for anybody is tragic and this just hits closer to home since you know he was a local law enforcement officer,” said Lt. Patrick Riordan, public affairs officer for the FHP.
A stream of flashing lights escorted Brewington’s body through Lake City from the medical examiner’s office to the funeral home Monday afternoon.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office shared its condolences on Facebook Sunday, stating that Brewington served in multiple roles with the sheriff’s office since 1991. He was currently assigned to the Judicial Services Division where he oversaw security operations of the courthouse.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dear friend and co-worker,” said Sheriff Mark Hunter. “We appreciate Captain Brewington’s long record of service to our community. We ask that the community keep his family and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to deal with this tremendous loss.”
Condolences have been pouring in for Brewington’s family and fellow deputies on Facebook from people who remember Brewington as a great guy who will be missed.
“Captain Brewington was an amazing person with an amazing family. He was my Captain when I was C.I.D. He cared about everyone and was always willing to help anyone in need with and without the uniform,” one commenter wrote.
Another posted, “Such [an] incredibly tragic loss for so many. My deepest and sincere condolences to his family and friends, as well as his work family he truly cared so deeply for.”
While at the crash site, News4JAX ran into a man -- who wished not to be named -- who called Brewington his best friend. He said he was riding with him Saturday night.
He was about 30 seconds behind Brewington on another buggy and when he caught up to him, he found his friend’s buggy on its side.
He also said they both were planning to retire soon and finding his friend like that is a sight he won’t soon forget.
A visitation service will be held on Thursday, Dec 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hopeful Baptist Church, and the funeral will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.