UPDATE: According to FHP, a 24-year-old man from Arkansas was identified as the man pulled from the Chrysler 300. FHP said the vehicle was traveling north on Bob Sikes Fishing Pier, when the 24-year-old “failed to observe the end of the bridge.”
As a result, the vehicle crashed into the concrete barrier. FHP said the vehicle came to a final rest in the bottom of the bay and the driver succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash.
UPDATE: The Florida Highway Patrol told WKRG News 5 that they pulled a Chrysler 300 from the water off Bob Sikes Fishing Pier Thursday afternoon. Inside the car, FHP found the body of a man they believe was in his 20s.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol are investigating at Bob Sikes Fishing Pier after seeing indications that a vehicle might have gone off the pier.
ECSO spokesperson Morgan Lewis told WKRG News 5 deputies responded to the pier around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, in reference to a person reporting “suspicious marks,” and “ill placed car parts” on the north end of the fishing pier.
FHP spokesperson Jason King confirmed to WKRG News 5 that they responded and it appeared a vehicle may have traveled off of the pier, “based on the vehicle debris and damage to the pier.”
Following FHP’s arrival on scene, King said they requested ECSO’s boat in an attempt to locate a vehicle. He said oil has possibly been spotted in the water, as well.
ECSO said they don’t know how long the “suspicious marks” have been there and they have not found a vehicle at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation. WKRG News 5 will update with more information as it becomes available.