Three Navy Sailors Killed in Crash in Pensacola, Florida
PENSACOLA, FL — Three Navy sailors, including former Bartlett High School football player Francois Prince Emmanuel Longdaye Yambete, died in a car crash early Saturday morning.
According to the NAVAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND, the accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the vehicle struck a barrier and caught fire. The sailors were stationed at NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA. They were identified as a Navy E-1 and E-2 from the Naval Air Technical Training Center, and another Navy E-2 from the Naval Aviation Schools Command.
Cmdr. David Gardner stated, “The Navy mourns the loss of our shipmates and extends our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and fellow sailors during this difficult time.”
While authorities have not released the names of the other sailors, Longdaye's former football coach at Bartlett, Dane Laboissonniere, confirmed the news. “Sadly it is true, a very sad day for us all here,” he said in an email.
Longdaye, known as Francis, was celebrated for his resilience after his family fled the Central African Republic due to civil war, ultimately settling in Webster, Massachusetts. The 2025 Hometown MVP honoree had aspirations of joining the Navy SEALs.
Emergency services responded to the scene and confirmed there were no survivors. Investigations into the crash are ongoing.