A Florida woman has been sentenced to prison for fleeing the scene after a deadly crash that killed a man riding a scooter. The horrifying incident left the victim with an internal decapitation, a fatal injury caused when the skull is separated from the spine, but the skin remains intact.
What Happened in the Crash
The crash happened just before 10 p.m. on January 26, 2024, along West Nine and a Half Mile Road, near Omar Avenue in Pensacola, Florida. The victim, Calvin Anthony Garlick, 34, was on his way home from work when he was struck by a white 2008 Toyota Prius.
A nearby resident discovered Garlick unconscious in a ditch and called emergency services. Paramedics arrived but sadly, he was already deceased.
Who Was the Driver?
The driver, Sarah Rachel Nowlin, 40, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for leaving the scene of a crash involving death. She must serve at least four years before being eligible for parole.
Nowlin pleaded no contest, which means she accepted the conviction without admitting guilt. According to prosecutors, she knew she had hit someone, but lied to everyone, including her 8-year-old daughter, who was in the car at the time.
What She Did After the Crash
Instead of calling for help, Nowlin drove off, left the damaged car hidden in a wooded area, and tried to cover up the crime. The next day, police found the abandoned Prius behind trees and bushes after a local property owner reported a suspicious vehicle. Officers also found an empty wine bottle near the car.
Troopers traced the car back to its owner, who said Nowlin had borrowed it to pick up her daughter but never returned. She later texted him saying, “something bad happened.”
Witness and Arrest
A passenger who had been riding with Nowlin at the time told troopers he had felt the car hit something. When he asked, Nowlin claimed they hit a deer. It wasn’t until later that he realized they had actually struck a person.
Once he confirmed Nowlin was behind the wheel, authorities had enough evidence to arrest her.
About the Victim: Calvin Garlick
Garlick was originally from Michigan and had moved to Florida to work in the hospitality industry. His family and friends described him as a happy, hard-working man who had held jobs in Ludington, Grand Rapids, and Pensacola.
In his obituary, he was remembered for his joyful spirit and strong work ethic.
This heartbreaking case highlights the tragic consequences of reckless driving and fleeing the scene. Calvin Garlick lost his life in a preventable crash, and the driver, Sarah Nowlin, is now facing the legal consequences of her actions.
While her sentence may offer some justice, the pain caused by this avoidable incident will remain with Garlick’s loved ones forever. As authorities remind everyone: If you’re involved in a crash — stop, stay, and call for help. Choosing to flee only makes things worse.
