MIDDLEBURG,Fla. – He wanted to be a doctor but his life was cut short. Friday night, family and friends in Clay County remembered a teen killed in a crash just around the corner from his home.
Austin Norman, 18, died and his 17-year-old brother, Brandon, is still in the hospital.
A lot of students at Middleburg High School knew Austin personally and attended the vigil. It was a chance for them and the rest of the community to lean on one another for support.
The vigil took place on the corner of Louie Carter Road. People lit candles and lined the side of the road leading to where the 18-year-old died after crashing into a tree Sunday night. Austin's uncle Darren Norman said the crash scene is a tough image to get out of his head.
"To pull up on this was the worst nightmare in my life. I never want to experience anything like this again in my life," said Norman.
Florida Highway Patrol said Austin was test-driving a family member's pickup truck with his brother when he lost control.
Friends said Austin loved to fish and hunt. He had dreams of becoming a doctor.
"He was really smart. I really respected him. I looked up to him," said Jason Bryce.
"He was always there by your side to cheer you up and make you happy and put a smile on your face," said Brandon Carter.
Friday night's support from the community made his grandmother proud.
"He's touched people beyond Clay County. He's touched people all over Florida," said Marsha Norman.
Austin's funeral is being held at Clay Hill Baptist Church Saturday at 2 p.m.