The Village of Glenbrook man killed Tuesday in an accident on U.S. 27 was an avid pickleball player and on his way to take part in the popular game.
David Gossard, 77, had been driving a 2003 Honda van shortly after 6 p.m. when he turned in front of another vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Gossard and his friend, 72-year-old Charles “Ron” Eversole of Leesburg, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by the Medical Examiner.
A second passenger, 70-year-old Michael Galco of The Villages, suffered critical injuries and was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Gossard pulled into the path of a 1998 Toyota four-door automobile driven by Frederick Mabry, 22, of Port St. Joe, according to FHP. Mabry suffered minor injuries and was transported to Waterman Hospital.
The accident occurred in front of the entrance to the Highland Lakes community in Leesburg.
Gossard and Eversole were active members of New Life Christian Church, according to Pastor Matt Malott. He said Gossard and his friends had been on their way to take part in pickleball.
Gossard had moved here from Illinois. He leaves behind his wife, Shirley.
Galco and his wife Arlene moved from Springfield, Ill. to The Villages at the urging of the Gossards.
Galco, of the Village of Chatham, is retired from the Illinois State Police Forensic Lab. The Galcos are also members of New Life Christian Church.
