An accident waiting to happen. That's how a Jacksonville man describes the moments just before a deadly crash early Sunday morning on I-95.
The collision claimed the life of Cathy Adams, a court bailiff for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Adams was in an SUV with her children and husband, William "Jack" Adams, also a JSO veteran.
Jack remains in critical condition at Memorial Hospital, according to the facility's spokesperson.
One witness who ran to help the family, Christopher Snyder, said the suspect in the crash tried leaving the scene.
"My parents noticed that the driver was trying to back away from the scene, the door open and she was in the driver's seat," Snyder said.
Kim Michelle Johnston, 46, was charged with DUI following the crash. A Florida Highway Patrol report said Johnston declined a breathalyzer and blood test at the scene, and told medical personnel she'd had two beers earlier in the evening.
RELATED: New report: Suspected drunk driver refused to give blood test for crash that killed JSO employee
Snyder said he was a few cars behind the Adams family when he noticed Johnston's vehicle coming around him at a high rate of speed.
"Upon passing me and getting around another vehicle, [Johnston] lost a little bit of control and [then regained it]," Snyder said. "The thought that came to my head...that's an accident waiting to happen. Unfortunately, within 45 seconds of that thought I witnessed it."
An affidavit filed by FHP said three separate witnesses saw problematic driving patterns by Johnston before the crash.
The Adams' SUV overturned multiple times, landing on its roof, according to the affidavit.
Snyder said when he and his parents approached the vehicle, Cathy was already unresponsive on the ground. While his parents helped the two children, Snyder said he crawled into the SUV where Jack was trapped.
"I was just trying to keep him responsive, I didn't want him to pass out on us," Snyder said. "My biggest concern was I wanted that man to have the best shot possible and I needed to be in there."
For five minutes, the two strangers talked about life.
"In a short amount of time I learned quite a bit about Jack, that he'd served in the Marines and he's been with JSO for 24 [years]," Snyder said. "He told me about his kids and what they like to do and a little bit about what he likes to do."
The Adams children suffered minor injuries while Jack was transported to the hospital.
For Snyder, it's an ordeal that will stay with him the rest of his life.
"Don't risk the lives of other people. I don't care how inebriated you think you are or are not," Snyder said. "Don't do it, it's as simple as that."
A GoFundMe has been set up for the Adams family.
The charitable organization, FOP Foundation, is also taking in donations on behalf of the Adams family, 100% of which will be provided to the family with no fees removed. If you would like to donate through the FOP we will accept:
*checks made out to "FOP Foundation", indicate that the donation is for the benefit of the Adams Family. Checks can be emailed to:
Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 5-30
5530 Beach Blvd.; Jacksonville, FL 32207
*Credit Cards - Call 904-398-7010.
