In Loving Memory of Mike Bassett
The St. Lucie County community is mourning the tragic and sudden loss of Mike Bassett, a 62-year-old man whose life was taken far too soon in a devastating crash on Florida’s Turnpike South. His passing has left a deep ache in the hearts of family, friends, and all who knew him, reminding us how fragile life can be and how quickly an ordinary evening can turn into unimaginable loss.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fatal crash was first reported around 8:40 p.m. Thursday near the entrance ramp to Florida’s Turnpike from Okeechobee Road in Port St. Lucie. Investigators say Mike was driving a pickup truck southbound on the Turnpike’s entrance ramp when a head-on collision occurred with a box truck traveling northbound on the southbound ramp. Traffic cameras confirmed the involvement of the box truck, and the impact was severe.
Despite the rapid response of emergency crews, Captain Satchelle Peterkin pronounced Mike Bassett deceased at the scene, FHP reported. The loss of his life marked a heartbreaking moment for those who love him and for a community now left to grieve his absence.
The crash caused significant traffic disruptions throughout the night. By 2:00 a.m. Friday, the southbound exit to Okeechobee Road and both entrance ramps from Okeechobee Road were closed as investigators worked carefully to document the scene. Lanes remained closed for several hours, with traffic backed up for more than two miles, though vehicles were eventually allowed to pass along the shoulder. While the roadway has since reopened, the emotional weight of this tragedy remains.
Mike Bassett was more than a name in a traffic report. He was a person with a story, a past, and people who loved him deeply. He leaves behind memories that will be treasured, conversations that will be missed, and a presence that can never be replaced. Those who knew Mike remember him for the life he lived—not for the way it ended—and for the impact he made in the lives of others, both big and small.
As the investigation continues, loved ones are left to navigate the painful reality of life without him. In this time of sorrow, the community comes together in remembrance, offering prayers, support, and heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and friends.
Rest in peace, Mike Bassett.
Your life mattered. Your memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved you, and you will never be forgotten. 🕊️