One dead following early morning collision

The driver of a small pick-up truck is dead following a 1 a.m. collision with a water tender truck parked along U.S. Highway 98 near Miramar Beach, according to a South Walton Fire District spokesperson.

Robert E. Aldrich, 36, of Santa Rosa Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Aldrich's 2000 F-150 Ford pickup reportedly slammed into the back of the 2007 freightline tanker, driven by Waymond D. Roulhac, 31, of DeFuniak Springs. The tanker was parked near an ongoing contruction project, according to Deputy Chief Sean Hughes.

The pick-up truck was destroyed, Hughes said.

According to Florida State Patrol, the C. W. Roberts construction truck was traveling eastbound on U.S. 98 in the inside lane watering the inside grass median. It was traveling at a slow speed with yellow safety light at the rear of the vehicle along with four-way flashers and a orange triangle posted on the rear of the vehicle.

Aldrich was traveling eastbound in the inside lane on U.S. 98 and at the last minute attempted to steer to the right to change lanes and avoid striking the tanker. The left front of Aldrich's truck struck the right rear side of the tanker.

After striking the tanker, Aldrich's vehicle traveled 115 feet in a southeasterly direction, rotating clockwise before coming to final rest on the south shoulder of U.S. 98.

After being struck, the tanker was moved easterly 3 feet before coming to rest straddling the north paved apron and the inside eastbound lane of U.S. 98.

Aldrich was not wearing a seat belt.

Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.