Belle Glade Intersection Crash Claims Life of 71-Year-Old George Sandiford
BELLE GLADE, FL — A tragic afternoon crash at one of Palm Beach County’s busiest intersections has left the community of South Bay mourning the loss of 71-year-old George Sandiford, a longtime resident known for his easy smile and hardworking spirit. The fatal collision occurred around 12:33 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of State Road 80 (Southern Boulevard) and Hatton Highway in Belle Glade, a crossroads that connects countless drivers moving between the agricultural heartland and the urban corridors to the east.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Sandiford was traveling eastbound on State Road 80 in his 2013 Nissan Maxima when tragedy struck. For reasons investigators have not yet determined, Sandiford failed to stop at a red light. The light had been red for some time as westbound traffic began turning left on green. One of those vehicles was a 2026 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck, driven by 23-year-old Williamson Saint-Hillaire of Lantana.
The Freightliner was making a lawful left turn when Sandiford’s Nissan entered the intersection at full speed. The truck’s left side took the brunt of the impact. Witnesses described the crash as “sudden” and “violent.” The Nissan, smaller and lighter, rotated sharply from the force, briefly catching onto the semi’s trailer before finally breaking free. The scene was a tangle of metal, glass, and silence — one moment of missed timing that cost a man his life.
When Palm Beach County Fire Rescue units arrived minutes later, they found Sandiford inside the crumpled Maxima with catastrophic injuries. Paramedics attempted lifesaving efforts, but it was too late. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators later confirmed that Sandiford had not been wearing a seatbelt, a fact that may have worsened his injuries.
The Freightliner’s driver, Saint-Hillaire, escaped the crash physically unharmed. He remained on the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. Toxicology tests confirmed that neither driver had alcohol or drugs in their system, and no charges are expected. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate what caused Sandiford to run the red light — whether it was distraction, medical distress, or simple misjudgment.
For residents of Belle Glade and neighboring South Bay, the intersection at State Road 80 and Hatton Highway is known for its heavy traffic and fast-moving vehicles. Locals have long called for improved safety measures, citing visibility issues and frequent near misses. Wednesday’s collision adds another painful entry to that list.
Family members and friends describe George Sandiford as a man of quiet integrity — someone who worked hard, loved deeply, and cared for those around him. He had lived in South Bay for decades and was well-known in his neighborhood for lending a helping hand to anyone in need. “George was the kind of man who never complained,” said one friend. “He loved people, loved his community, and lived a humble, decent life.”
As news of his passing spread, tributes began to pour in on social media. Neighbors shared stories of his generosity — how he often volunteered with church groups, checked on elderly residents, and mentored younger men trying to find steady work. “He was like family to everyone who knew him,” another post read.
Traffic investigators spent several hours at the scene documenting skid marks, examining traffic signal timing, and interviewing witnesses. Both vehicles were later towed for mechanical inspection. The Sheriff’s Office will continue analyzing evidence to determine if any underlying health event or distraction might have caused Sandiford to miss the signal.
The intersection was closed for several hours before reopening late in the afternoon, though traces of the wreck — broken glass and tire marks — remained visible as a stark reminder of how fast life can change.
In the end, what remains is the profound grief of those left behind — a family mourning a beloved father, brother, and friend; a community once again reminded of how fragile every drive can be.
Authorities urge all motorists to buckle their seatbelts and stay alert at intersections, where even the smallest lapse can have irreversible consequences.
May George Sandiford’s memory live on through the love he shared, and may his family find strength in the difficult days ahead.
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