OKEECHOBEE -- After failing to negotiate a curve on Lofton Road on Tuesday, April 16, 55-year-old Neal Prescott’s vehicle rolled over three times before ejecting him through the driver’s side window, said County Commissioner Bryant Culpepper, who was right behind Mr. Prescott and watched in horror as it happened.

Mr. Prescott landed approximately 100 feet from his vehicle in a pasture on U.S. 98. Commissioner Culpepper, who is a retired paramedic, climbed through the fence to get to him, restored his airway and held traction on his neck until Okeechobee County Fire Rescue arrived and took over.

Mr. Prescott was airlifted to Lawnwood Medical Center, but unfortunately, Commissioner Culpepper received word Thursday, April 18, that he had passed away.

“He wasn’t wearing a seat belt,” Commissioner Culpepper said. “I really think that would have saved his life.” Mr. Prescott was on his way home from work when the accident happened, said the commissioner. He was one of the crew doing the restoration on the Kissimmee back levee.