ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Pensacola community is mourning after a fatal crash early Sunday morning claimed the life of a 51-year-old pedestrian. Authorities have arrested a 20-year-old woman in connection with the incident, which occurred along a busy section of Lillian Highway.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Summer Leigh Townsend, 20, was taken into custody and booked into the Escambia County Jail just before noon on March 22, 2026. She faces multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, driving with a suspended license, and failure to maintain a lane. Townsend is currently being held without bond.
Authorities identified the victim as Sharon Woolfolk, 51, of Pensacola. Troopers reported that the crash occurred around 2:45 a.m. on Lillian Highway near 50th Avenue. Woolfolk had been walking east along the paved shoulder while pushing an e-bike at the time of the collision.
Investigators said Townsend, who was also traveling eastbound in a sedan, drifted out of her lane and onto the shoulder, striking Woolfolk. The impact threw Woolfolk onto the hood and windshield of the vehicle before she fell onto the roadway. Emergency personnel were called to the scene, and Woolfolk was pronounced dead, leaving family and community members devastated.
Authorities reported that Townsend initially left the scene after the collision but later turned around and was found traveling westbound later that morning. She sustained minor injuries, and her vehicle was impounded for further examination. Investigators are reviewing the crash thoroughly to determine all contributing factors.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active. The charges against Townsend highlight the severity of the incident and the tragic loss of Woolfolk’s life. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact local law enforcement to assist in the ongoing investigation. The community continues to mourn while authorities work to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
