State Senator Greg Evers

Former state legislator Greg Evers who served for 15 years in both the House and Senate died in single-car accident near his home in Baker. He was 62.

“On behalf of the family of former State Senator Greg Evers, it with great sadness that we announce his passing. Senator Evers was involved in a single car accident last night near his home in Baker, Florida,” Sarah Bascom, a friend of Evers, said in a statement released late Tuesday afternoon.

“The family asks for your prayers as they deal with this sudden loss,” Bascom said.

Evers was elected to the Florida House in 2001 in a special election to fill the empty seat in District 1, which covered parts of Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties.

He served in the House for nine years before launching a bid in 2010 for the Senate seat that had been held by term-limited Durell Peaden. Evers won the election and remained in the Senate until 2016 when he made an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Greg passionately represented his district for many years in both the House and Senate,” said Senate President Joe Negron. “He was especially dedicated to the men and women of his community who were serving or had served in the military, as well as our fellow Floridians across the state who serve as Corrections Officers.”

Evers was born in Milton in 1955. He grew up there on his family’s farm. He attended Pensacola Junior College before joining his family’s fertilizer business. He later became owner of the company and moved it to Baker.

Gov. Rick Scott tweeted his condolences upon hearing the news.

“Ann and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Senator Greg Evers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family,” Scott said.

Evers was a key supporter of the Second Amendment during his years in the Legislature. He held an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.