Middleburg teen dies, 3 others hurt in red light crash

FHP: Teen was not wearing a seat belt

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Middleburg teen was killed when the car he was riding in struck a pickup truck at a Westside intersection early Sunday morning.

According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, Jacob Leavitt, 17, was not wearing his seat belt.

Recommended Videos



State troopers said the 2001 Ford Escape being driven by Caleb Leavitt, 20, was headed west on Normandy Boulevard when Caleb Leavitt ran a red light and struck a 2007 Chevy Z-71 pickup.

People who live near the Leavitts said Jacob Leavitt and Caleb Leavitt were brothers.

Grief counselors will be at Middleburg High School on Monday to help teachers and students deal with the death.

"It's sad. I've thought about it all day. It's really ruined my day and it's a sad thing to lose someone I grew up with and went to school with," said classmate Roland Bell

Shelia Vierling lives next to the Leavitt family.

"It's a complete shock. We've known them for five years and for this to happen especially in our neighborhood," Vierling said.

The accident also sent three others to UF Health for treatment.

Ryan Kennedy, 18 of Jacksonville, was behind the wheel of the truck Caleb Leavitt hit. Kennedy and his passenger, 19-year-old Preston Ferrell, suffered serious injuries, according to troopers.

The spokesperson for Clay County Schools said Jacob Leavitt's mother works for the school district as a staff member. News4Jax was told Jacob had just begun his senior year.