By By Adam Prestridge
The last words Cindy Marlow spoke to her husband were, ‘Bye, I love you.”
Marlow had no idea that those words would be the last she spoke to her husband.
Richard Danny Marlow, 40, and the couple’s 2-year-old son, Drew, were killed following a two-vehicle accident Monday afternoon on Highway 97 south of Tungoil Road.
Church members have surrounded the Molino residents, who are members of Atmore First Assembly of God Church, since the tragic accident.
According to a report issued by the Florida Highway Patrol, Marlow’s 2003 Toyota truck was struck on the driver’s side by a 2007 Chevrolet truck driven by 70-year-old Cantonment resident Joyce S. McGahan. Life Flight airlifted McGahan to Sacred Heart Hospital where she later died. Marlow and his son died at the scene. The report stated that neither were wearing their seatbelts.
The report stated that McGahan, who was traveling south on Hwy. 97, for an “unknown reason” drifted to the right and entered the southbound grassy shoulder. She attempted to correct her path of travel, but overcorrected. The vehicle then began rotating counterclockwise and traveled in a southeasterly direction and re-entered the southbound traffic lane. The vehicle continued traveling in a southeasterly direction and crossed the southbound traffic lane and then entered the northbound lane. Marlow attempted to take “evasive action” by steering his truck to the right onto the grassy northbound shoulder to avoid the collision, but was unable to.
When news of the fatal accident began to spread, the Marlow’s church family began gathering at the family’s business, Northwest Escambia Learning Center.
Words could not express the pain the family was going through, Davis said.
According to Davis, Marlow had been hunting with church friends earlier in the day. He said Marlow had bagged a seven-point buck, which he had shown his wife prior to spending the afternoon with his son.
Marlow worked as a draftsman. In fact, he designed the church’s Prayer Park and Prayer Path located across the street from the church.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at Pace Assembly of God. Viewing will be held at Pace Assembly of God Wednesday evening.
Times were not available at press time.