Church Mourns Pastor Killed In Crash

32-Year-Old's Wife Was Driving, Suffered Minor Injuries

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Baker County church mourned the loss of their popular youth pastor Sunday.

Todd Annis, 32, died in a car crash Saturday night on Interstate 10, one mile west of Chaffee Road in Jacksonville.

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According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Lauren Annis, 26, was behind the wheel when the Annis' car collided with another vehicle in the Eastbound lanes.

The report said Todd Annis was partially ejected. His wife only had minor injuries.

Todd Annis' father is still having a hard time believing what happened.

"It's gonna be very hard for her because my son was the love of her life," Thomas Annis said.

Annis and his wife were riding back from watching a football game with people from their church when the accident happened. Todd Annis was rushed to the hospital, but died shortly after.

The Sunday morning service at First Assembly of God in Macclenny, where Annis was the youth pastor, revolved around remembering him. Parishioners recorded a video to send their love and support to his wife and his family.

"It?s just a somber time, but it?s also a time of hope," said Pastor Joshua Potts. "We know exactly where he is and what he lived for.?

Annis worked with more than 30 kids at the church. The described him as a man who was always giving back to the community. Annis coordinated outreach programs at local schools and served as the Baker County High School football team's chaplain. The teens he reached out to are still shocked about his death but determined to keep his teachings and good works alive.

?He trained us to where we could do it on our own and now it?s time for us to make it happen," said William Norton, a member of the church's youth group.

The driver of the other car was identified as Holly King, 22. She was not hurt. The Florida Highway Patrol said the investigation is ongoing and that charges were pending.