Man dead in motorcycle crash in Sebastian

Sebastian elementary, middle, high schools earn Purple Star designation

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Three Sebastian schools were recently awarded Purple Star designations for providing what leaders say are vital resources and programs for military families. The campuses were part of 176 Florida schools, along with five school districts, to be honored with the designation Tuesday by Gov. DeSantis. "We encourage every school in the state to strive to better serve military families and earn the designation," DeSantis said in a statement. "I am proud to recognize these schools and school districts for their efforts to support our military families and earn the Purple Star designation." Sebastian Elementary School, Sebastian River Middle School and Sebastian River High School were chosen as Purple Star Schools of Distinction. The districts that achieved ...

Sebastian police investigating murder-suicide

SEBASTIAN — A next-of-kin death notification led police to discover the body of a 64-year-old resident, Patricia Rockwell-Kuhner, at her home on Saturday, officials said. The same day, law enforcement officers found the body of the suspect in the woman's death, a 48-year-old man, in Volusia County. "The suspect was not found deceased at the residence. They were in another jurisdiction," said Sebastian police Deputy Chief Timothy Wood. Police determined the case is a murder-suicide. On Tuesday afternoon, detectives publicly identified the suspect as Michael Rockwell, who they said is Rockwell-Kuhner's son, Wood said. Officers with the Daytona Beach Police Department first discovered the body of Rockwell in Volusia County on Saturday, Wood said. Then, Sebastian police officers went to ...

2 seriously hurt in multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 1

GIFFORD — Two people suffered severe injuries following a three-vehicle crash on U.S. 1 that left a person trapped inside an automobile, sheriff's deputies said. Indian River County Fire Rescue crews used rescue machinery to free the individual from the wreckage, said Sgt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. The wreck involving a silver van, Subaru Outback and an unknown third vehicle, happened about 11 a.m. Monday in the 4500 block of U.S. 1, east of Old Dixie Highway in Gifford. Jaworski said the vehicles had heavy damage from impact. One person was flown to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, while the other individual was taken by ambulance, Jaworski said. Florida Highway Patrol ...