LONGBOAT KEY, Fla. — A local couple known for their work in the Sarasota community has died after a police officer responding to a call crashed into them Wednesday.
Police say Charles Barancik, 91, was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, his 83-year-old wife Margery Barancik died hours later at the hospital.
According to police, a Longboat Key Police Officer was responding to a call when he crashed into the couple's Tesla. It happened at 6 p.m. in the 2100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Police say Barancik was driving onto Gulf Mexico Drive from a private residence when the officer, who was driving south on the road, crashed into them.
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The Barancik's established the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation in Sarasota in 2014, according to their website. The foundation came from the family's believe in the "power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people," the site says.
Bill Sadlo, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County released the following statement:
"Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is devastated to hear about the tragedy involving Sarasota’s most beloved philanthropists and advocates for our mission, Charles and Margery Barancik."
Sarasota Police say the officer, who has not been named, was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries.
The crash is being investigated by the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit. Police say it's unclear at this time who is at fault in the crash.
