May 9—COOLIDGE- In the wee hours of Sunday morning, a fatal UTV crash claimed the life of Moultrie resident John Bridwell.

According to reports, Bridwell was riding his Polaris Ranger at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Bannister Road, when he veered off to the left and lost control. The UTV began overturning in the roadway, which broke the driver's side rear tire. The side-by-side came to a final rest in the ditch, with the driver's side in the air.

When the Ranger lost control, Bridwell was completely ejected from the vehicle and sustained blunt force trauma to the head, fatally wounding him.

Thomas County EMS arrived on scene rendering aid to the passenger, while GSP Post 12 responded to investigate the cause of the crash.

According to the passenger, Joshua Mixon, both he and Bridwell were riding around when "everything went crazy."

Mixon told Troopers that when he came to, the vehicle was already at a rest with his side down in the ditch and Bridwell lying in front of the UTV.

Services for Bridwell will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Baker Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Hurst officiating.

Bridwell leaves behind his mother, wife, children and grandchildren to cherish his memories.