Two 16-year-old boys struck, killed in Bradford Co.

Bradford High School students killed Friday night walking on State Road 21

HAWTHORNE, Fla. – Two 16-year-old boys were killed along State Road 21 in Bradford County on Friday night when they were both struck by a van, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. 

Troopers said the two teens, identified as Matthew Warren and John Ziegenfuss, were walking south on the edge of the road about 10:30 p.m. when the front bumper of a southbound Dodge Caravan struck them both. 

Warren died at the scene. Ziegenfuss was transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he died.

A family of four was in the van. Results of blood alcohol tests are pending for the driver and the two victims.

News4Jax spoke with Latonya Prevatt, Matthew Warren's mother about the accident. She remembers her son as someone who would lift the spirits of others feeling down. 

Prevatt said giving her son a proper burial is a top priority, but with a tight income she worries about being able to make that happen.

"That is the most important thing right now, to lay my son to rest. My family was not prepared for this at all. Of course, you can't prepare for a 16-year-old to hit by a car," said Prevatt. "We are on a very tight budget right now. Things are hard for us. I didn't have insurance. I don't have the money to pay."

John Ziegenfuss' mother has also set up an account for her son. She said her family has insurance, but everything donated to her son will be given to Matthew Warren's family.

"We want John and Matt to have the same thing. We want Matt to have what John has," said Alicia Ziegenfuss. "That's what John would want. Because he was such a great kid."

Go Fund Me accounts have been set up for both of the teens.

Donate to Warren's family | Donate to Zigenfuss' family


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.