The loss of another Bay County teenager in a car crash. He was killed early this morning in a car accident in Washington County. It happened just after 8 o'clock this morning on State Road 77. Florida highway patrol was first on scene.
FHP confirms Gilligan was driving south on 77 when he approached a curve and lost control of his vehicle. The Acura crossed over onto the shoulder of the road and struck a power pole support wire. The vehicle went into a spin and hit a barbed wire fence and then a large tree before turning over onto its roof. Gilligan was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Chase Gilligan is the son of Bay County Sheriff's Office Investigator Ron Gilligan.
When Chase was in first grade he was already doing great things in the community. Gilligan was in the first grade when he was recognized by two New York City firefighters after raising money for victims of 9/11. In kindergarten Gilligan had started a penny drive for the people in New York City.
"Then I said how about we just donate money," said Gilligan of the event. "So then we donated money."
"Chase Gilligan is a kindergartner that just came up with this idea that he wanted to help out, said one fire fighter. "And the first person he hit was his father and he said 'dad empty out your bank accounts I need your money' and dad said 'listen there is better ways at going about this'."
Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen released a statement this afternoon.
"Dealing with the loss of one of our officer's children is like dealing with the loss of one of our own children. And it's having quite an impact on the whole Sheriff's Office family. We would just ask that your thoughts and prayers go out to the Gilligan family."
Family and friends have been gathering at the Gilligan's home in Lynn Haven to support the family during this difficult time.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WMBB. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
