An obituary is offering details about a snowbird who died after a golf cart crash in The Villages.
The crash and the snowbird’s death a few days later came at a time when the Amenity Authority Committee and the Sumter County Commission both reached an impasse on the future of Morse Boulevard north of County Road 466, despite a growing chorus from their constituents, demanding action. The lack of will by elected leaders has drawn condemnation from readers Ray Steinly of the Village of Poinciana, Janet Walden of the Village of Hacienda South and Kristi Sarracco of th Village of Hacienda North.
The crash that claimed the life of 75-year-old Michael Day of Surry, Maine occurred on March 30. He died on April 2 at Ocala Regional Medical Center where he had been airlifted for treatment of the severe injuries he had suffered.
Day left behind his wife of 42 years, Wendy, as well as their three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He worked for more than 20 years of his professional life as an Associate Research Professor in the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine. He earned his Ph.D. in plant physiology from the University of Maine, where he went on to contribute significantly to the fields of physiological ecology and forest resource management. Through his research, publications, and teaching of both undergraduate and graduate students, he helped shape the understanding and stewardship of forest ecosystems for future generations.
For many years he worked as a woodworker and shipwright as well. He was an avid sailor, photographer, a thoughtful observer, and a lifelong learner. He was captain of his 1981 Pearson 323, Salvation, and found great joy on the water, according to his obituary.
Day was driving a red 2015 Advantage EZ-GO golf cart at 10:42 a.m. March 30 southbound on Morse Boulevard when he attempted to make a left turn onto Martinez Drive, but turned into the path of a blue 2024 Cadillac XT5 which had been northbound on Morse Boulevard, according to an accident report from the Florida Highway Patrol. The two vehicles collided and the golf cart overturned. He was ejected from the golf cart and airlifted to the hospital in Ocala. The 80-year-old Village of Largo woman driving the Cadillac was also injured. She was transported by The Villages Public Safety Department to UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital in The Villages.
Do you think enough is being done to improve safety on Morse Boulevard north of County Road 466? Share your thoughts at [email protected]