DIXIE COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – During the early morning hours of February 25, 2026, a fatal hit-and-run crash occurred on U.S. HWY 19 in Dixie County, resulting in the death of Ashlee Partain of Dixie County. The crash was reported to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and remains an active and ongoing investigation.
As part of the investigation, FHP Traffic Homicide Investigators have been working to establish a timeline of events leading up to the crash. Investigators determined that Ms. Partain had been a patron at a nearby establishment on the evening of February 24, 2026.
Further investigation revealed that at approximately 11:52 p.m., Ms. Partain was involved in a physical altercation at the establishment, during which she was struck by two individuals. Following the altercation, Ms. Partain left the business and began walking along U.S. HWY 19. At a later time, she was struck by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene.
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, FHP Troopers arrested two Cross City residents in connection with the earlier altercation. The individuals were booked into the Dixie County Jail on the following charges:
- Natalie Futch – Battery (Touch or Strike), F.S. 784.03(1)(a)(1)
- Chelsea Carter – Battery (Touch or Strike), F.S. 784.03(1)(a)(1)
At this time, there is no indication that the individuals charged in the altercation were involved in the fatal hit-and-run crash.
The investigation into the fatal hit-and-run remains active. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the vehicle or driver involved is urged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol or Crime Stoppers.