Husband, wife killed in log truck crash near Bryceville

Nassau County couple with 6 children had 'close-knit, Christian family'

BRYCEVILLE, Fla. – A married couple was killed in an early Tuesday morning crash in Bryceville, near the Nassau/Duval County line.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a tractor-trailer hauling logs about 4:30 a.m. turned left onto Ford Road, pulling into the path of an oncoming pickup truck.

Troopers said Holly Ulsch, 39, was driving the Toyota Tacoma and Philips Joshua Ulsch, 38, was a passenger. Both died in the crash.

The driver in the log truck, Alfred Pope, 57, of Middleburg, was not injured.

The Ulsch family lived on Ford Road, less than three miles from where the couple died. They had six children -- all boys. The youngest is 6 months old.

A close friend who attended University Christian School with the husband, who she knew as Josh, and attended Bible study with the wife, said this was a close-knit, Christian family.

"Found out the news this morning. (My) heart just dropped," Tara Bowker said. "I thought, first of all, I just can't believe it. (My) heart is really, just heavy for the children."

Josh Ulsch worked as an insurance agent with his father at an Allstate agency in Jacksonville

Bowker said Josh Ulsch had a very outgoing personality. He was friendly and always made people laugh.

"He had the best smile. He would help anybody," Bowker said. "I remember her always picking up these flyers about how to raise godly children. It was just her heart's desire. She couldn't wait to get married and have children."

All lanes of Ford Road at Buckhead Trail remained blocked through 1 p.m. while troopers investigated and cleared the crash. There is a stop sign at the intersection, but no traffic light.

Ulsch's neighbor, Karie Tucker, said she worries about her family because of all the truck traffic along Ford Road.

"They come through really fast," Tucker said. "We have concerns, between those and the dump trucks that come through. (It's) dark out here, as well."

According to the accident report, charges are pending the investigation.

Family members have set up a GoFundMe account for those who'd like to donate to help the Ulsch children.


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