Press Release
Fernandina Beach Police Department
James T. Hurley, Chief
August 24, 2016 3:22 p.m.
The Fernandina Beach Police Department is continuing to seek answers to the apparent hit and run fatality that occurred last summer. Initial autopsy results indicated that William Ragsdale, who died early in the morning in a dark Sadler Road parking lot, was likely struck by a passing vehicle.
Dr. Madeline Roa told Fernandina Beach and FHP investigators that the fatal head trauma was apparently caused by high velocity impact consistent with sudden contact with a motor vehicle side mirror or side-extended load.
According to witness statements the deceased had been drinking earlier that night at three area bars between 8:00 PM and 1:00 AM. Investigators believe he was hit by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Sadler Road between 1:15 AM and 2:45 AM on Tuesday morning, August 18, 2015. Anyone with direct or indirect knowledge of this incident is encouraged to contact investigators.