ST. JOHNS, Fla. – A bailiff with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office died Sunday night, hours after after a car crash on Interstate 95 in St. Johns County involving a drunk driver, the department reported.
In a tweet, the Sheriff's Office posted its condolences a little after 9 p.m.
We are heartbroken to say that one of our #JSO employees, Cathy Adams has passed away within the last hour from injuries sustained in the traffic crash earlier this morning.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 10, 2018
If you are inclined to do so, please say a prayer for the Adams family. 🙏🏼💙 https://t.co/qbrOH39frU
Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol said Kim Johnston, 46, was driving drunk in an Acura on I-95 north between State Road 16 and International Golf Parkway around 1:15 a.m. Sunday when she crashed into a Chevrolet Tahoe carrying a family of four. The impact caused the driver of the SUV to lose control and overturn after crossing several lanes of traffic.
Cathy Adams, a bailiff with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, was placed on life support after the crash, but died late Sunday night. Her husband, JSO officer William “Jack” Adams was driving the SUV and became entrapped after the wreck. He survived the crash but has critical injuries. Their two teenagers, who were also in the SUV, suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Two of our employees, a police officer and sworn bailiff were involved in a serious traffic crash in another county early this morning. @FHPJacksonville handled the investigation. Our prayers are with our JSO family. 🙏🏼💙
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) December 9, 2018
Several posts on Facebook have showed support with JSO members posting black patches across their badges as well as pleas for prayers for the family.
Neighbors are also praying for the Adams family.
"It’s unfortunate. One day you’re saying, 'Hey, how is everyone doing?' And the next day you’re hearing that there was a serious car accident," neighbor Lawton Daniels said.
Sources said the family was on their way home from Orlando after attending the Mandarin High School state championship football game.
Johnston's employer, Oakleaf Chiropractic and Injury Center, also posted its condolences online.
We at Oakleaf Chiropractic and Injury Center (formerly Oakleaf Family Chiropractic) regretfully must say that a member of our staff has made a terrible choice during her personal time that led to a horrific crash and loss of life. She had recently joined us just a few weeks ago, and we conduct an extensive criminal background check on all employees, and she previously has been a respected member of the chiropractic community throughout Jacksonville for many years.
- Oakleaf Chiropractic and Injury Center
Johnston was arrested and charged with two counts of driving under the influence with serious bodily injury to another.
A judge set Johnston's bond at $50,000 for each count Monday morning, and she was ordered not to drive without a valid license. Prosecutors asked for Johnston's passport to be surrendered and the judge agreed on a temporary basis.
Troopers said more charges are pending against Johnston, who is being represented by attorney James Davis.