Local teen dies in 1-vehicle crash

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

BAINBRIDGE -- A Bainbridge teenager died in a one-vehicle crash on C.R. 800N Tuesday when his pickup careened off the side of the road and overturned in three feet of water at the bottom of an embankment.

According to Deputy Don Pettit of the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, 16-year-old Blake Batchelor had been traveling east on the gravel road, about one half mile west of C.R. 500E, when he lost control of his 1990 Chevrolet S-10.

"He was traveling eastbound and, for some unknown reason, veered off the north side of the roadway," Pettit said. "He overcorrected and went back across the road to the south side and then went down an embankment where's there's a big drainage whistle.

"The vehicle overturned and went down into a creek, which was filled up with water. The truck was partially submerged in about three feet of water," he added.

The exact time of the accident was unknown, but could have been as early as shortly before 10 a.m. The call to 911 dispatch of the vehicle's discovery didn't come until 5:37 p.m.

"Some family members are actually the ones who located him and called it in," Pettit said. "He was last heard from about 9:41 this morning when he was on his way home. Some time after that, give or take 10 minutes, may have been when the accident happened."

Pettit said it was reported that Batchelor was on his way home from football conditioning at North Putnam High School.

The cause of death was unknown as of Tuesday evening, pending an autopsy.

Roachdale Fire Department and PMH1 ambulance service both responded to the accident. Police officers on the scene were Pettit, Jon Chadd, Greg Slover and Ron Campbell of the sheriff's department and Jason Woodall of the Bainbridge Police Department.

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  • Blake was a great kid. This is terribly tragic.

    -- Posted by VonMises on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 5:57 AM
  • Our love and prayers are being sent to the Batchelor family. We are so sorry to hear of Blake's passing. May God hold you close and fill you with His perfect peace and comfort as only He can do.

    -- Posted by John3:16 on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 6:19 AM
  • So sorry for the loss of you beloved son. Prayers and thoughts will be with you during this trying time. God Bless you.

    -- Posted by dcsaiht on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 8:16 AM
  • God Bless this boys family and friends. Give them all the strength to get thru this tradegy!!

    -- Posted by skittlebug on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 9:32 AM
  • So Sorry to heard about this tragic accident, this is a terrible heartache for the family, may God be with them thru this time of their loss.

    -- Posted by whatno_guessing on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 10:20 AM
  • My heart goes out to the family and friends. Losing a loved one is never easy. Take comfort in knowing that others care. God bless you and yours!

    -- Posted by JustAnotherCitizen on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 10:28 AM
  • So very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son. May God Bless You and your family at this very difficult time.

    -- Posted by Zorie on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 10:28 AM
  • I am so very sorry, I can't even imagine what you both must be feeling right now, my heart breaks for you. Please take comfort in knowing that Blake is safe now in God's arms.. Much love, and care.

    -- Posted by Darla_Poynter on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 11:27 AM
  • he was a great friend. you all have your hearts in the right place

    -- Posted by R.I.P♥Blake on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 12:45 PM
  • god bless you all remember god doesnt make mistakes

    -- Posted by ironmaiden on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 1:14 PM
  • We all want to be the arms that hold our children young and old, but there are no better arms than God. Blake will be missed but never forgotten! God bless the family and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    -- Posted by RDALERESIDENT on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 1:28 PM
  • This is awful. I have read about a lot of wrecks lately where people run off the side of the road and overcorrect, lose control and crash. I hope driver's ed. teachers implement a part of their course of helping young drivers out on correcting their car the right way if they run off the road. This is happening way too often.

    -- Posted by purple_heat on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 2:13 PM
  • Nick and I am so sorry to hear about Blake, Our hearts goes out to you. may God be with you.

    -- Posted by jackiemckinney on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 4:48 PM
  • Paula, Rick, Cody and RJ,

    No words can comfort you at this time but please know that we are all here for you and our hearts are broken as are yours. Blake was a very special young man. Football meant the world to him and I'm sure his team mates will keep him with them during this upcoming season. God Bless you and keep you in his safe arms.

    -- Posted by sportsmom2 on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 7:04 PM
  • We are so sorry for the tragic accident that took Blake from you. He was a wonderful young man with a bright future. I hope and pray that God will keep you in his loving arms and soothe your pain during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. The Whitcomb Family

    -- Posted by jlwhitcvomb on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 7:25 PM
  • My grandsons are blessed to have friends like you. They will miss Blake, and do their best to comfort Cody, and RJ. Our thoughts, and prayers go out to all your family members. Remember we are only a phone call away.

    -- Posted by glenna_warren on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 8:14 PM
  • Paula, Rick, Cody and RJ,

    I am so sorry for you loss. Blake will be missed by our entire family. Robbie was blessed to be able to get to know Blake while they were in scouts together. We are all praying for you and your family.

    -- Posted by rob and cathy sunderlin on Wed, Jun 3, 2009, at 8:58 PM
  • Rick, Paula, Cody and RJ

    I know things must be tough, but keep your faith at the forefront of this tragedy. Our hearts are with you all. Be blessed with memories, and let the angel rejoice. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God bless you in unknown ways.

    Lisa Cambridge and family

    -- Posted by cambridge_family on Thu, Jun 4, 2009, at 10:35 AM
  • Paula,Rick,Cody + RJ

    Our hearts have been broken today as we received news of Blakes passing. Words cannot express the the sarrow we feel. Jimmy wants you to know the he considers Blake a member of his wrestling family.and will forever hold a place of respect and admiration in his heart for him.He will live on forever in our hearts as well.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and please if we can be of assistance in any way please contact us.

    With Love and respect:

    Jim, Devon and Jim Dylan Davis.

    -- Posted by JIM DEVON JIMMY DAVIS on Thu, Jun 4, 2009, at 3:33 PM
  • Paula.Rick.Cody.rj

    We are so sorry to hear what has happened. You all are our family.Have been for many years. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Our prayers and love are with you all.God be with you all.steve,terry,andy,jason

    -- Posted by davis310 on Thu, Jun 4, 2009, at 10:38 PM
  • I have no idea what you must be going through! I am so sorry!! Take comfort in knowing God is with you and your family! Blake is being embraced by the Lord our God! My heart aches for you. Know North Putnam, as I am sure Putnam co. is praying for you!! We usually don't understand what or why God does what He does...we just have to hold onto our faith and KNOW HE IS GOD! God Bless you all, love and prayers!!!!

    -- Posted by LovestheLord on Sat, Jun 6, 2009, at 3:52 AM
  • This is sad news. I remember when I was in school and one of my friends passed away from a similar incident. Danny Cope Rest in Peace.

    -- Posted by 1stamendrights on Sun, Jun 14, 2009, at 11:45 AM
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