Reports say the car struck a barrier and flipped before catching fire around 1:30 a.m., and police are investigating what caused the crash.
Pensacola, FL - October 29, 2026
Three U.S. Navy sailors died after the car they were in struck a barrier, flipped over and caught fire in Pensacola, Florida. The crash happened at about 1:30 a.m., according to CBS Boston, which cited its affiliate WKRG.
Key Facts
- Date: Reported October 29, 2026; the crash was described as having occurred the previous weekend.
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Type of crash: Car struck a barrier, overturned and caught fire
- Vehicles involved: One car
- Injuries / fatalities: Three sailors died.
- Responding agencies: Police
- Reported by: CBS News (CBS Boston), with information from CBS affiliate WKRG
Crash Overview
Per CBS affiliate WKRG, as relayed by CBS Boston, the vehicle overturned after striking a barrier at roughly 1:30 a.m. in Pensacola, and then burst into flames with the three sailors inside.
Officers are looking into what led to the collision, and no cause has been announced.
A Navy spokesman, Cmdr. David Gardner, said in a statement that the service mourns the loss of its sailors and offers condolences to their families, friends and fellow sailors.
People Involved
- Francois Longdayeyambete had recently enlisted in the Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman airman recruit. He was from Webster, Massachusetts, and graduated from Bartlett High School in 2026. He also took part in varsity football at Bartlett, lining up as a defensive tackle and at tight end. Webster Public Schools Superintendent Monique Pierangeli said the school community is grieving and described him as a bright, kind presence who was proud to serve.
- Drekwon Bagley, of Michigan, was also identified as a sailor who died in the crash.
- David Deanda, of California, was also identified as a sailor who died in the crash.