Driver fatally hits men repairing power lines, is charged with DUI manslaughter, investigators say

A driver fatally hit two men and injured another Wednesday and then fled the scene, investigators said. The men were working on power lines in the Florida Panhandle damaged by Hurricane Michael.

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John Goedtke, 37, of Thonotosassa, was driving a truck that was pulling a U-Haul trailer when it hit the three men who were repairing power lines in Chipley, which is north of Panama City, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

George Cecil, 52, of Cole Rain, North Carolina, and James Ussery, 60, of Chipley, died. Ryan Barrett, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, WFLA reported.

Goedtke was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter, felony vehicular homicide and leaving the scene, the Highway Patrol said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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