Grieving mother coming to terms with death of teenage son

15-year-old Devin Williams died in crash

HILLIARD, Fla. – The mother of 15-year-old Devin Williams, who was killed last week after being thrown from the back of a pickup truck, was finally able to move forward after seeing her son on Monday.

The driver of the Silverado Williams was sitting in the back of lost control of the truck while traveling north on Wedgewood Way and ran off the road, throwing Williams from the bed of the truck, running him over and striking a tree.

Ryan Osborn, 17, suffered serious injuries and was taken to UF Health Jacksonville. Justin Tuten, 18, and Alexandria Shiver, 16, suffered minor injuries. Both were sitting in the cab when the crash happened.
Devin Williams’ mother, Falisha Lee, said her son was a freshman at Hilliard High School and was playing his first year of football for the school.

Lee said Williams and his friends had just gotten out of school when they went for the fatal drive.

“I mean, he had done a lot of stupid stuff,” Lee said. “You know, he’s 15, he’s a boy. (He’s) done a lot of stupid stuff. He knew not to be in the back of a truck because we never let him ride, because, (we’re) being protective.”

Lee said she is not upset with the teens in the truck with Williams, including the driver, calling the incident a “mistake.”

Lee described Williams as a loving son, brother and friend.

“I am pissed off, because he was my baby,” Lee said. “He was a momma’s boy. I mean, seriously, ask anybody. He just started staying the night with friends. You know, he’s 15 years old. Nine, 10, 11 o’clock – ‘Momma, come get me.’ You know? He had to be at home with Momma.”

Williams’ body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s office in Jacksonville and eventually, to a funeral home, but Lee said she wasn't able to see her son until Monday.

Lee said not being able to see her son for so long left her frustrated.

“I told them, ‘I don’t have to look at him or anything, just let me touch him.’ You know? To let him know, it’s OK,” Lee said. I’m not mad at him, you know? Because he’s… He was a good kid.”

Grief counselors were made available to students at Hilliard High School Monday.

Lee said the goal now is to figure out how to move forward knowing her son was taken so soon.

The family has created a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses. Click here to donate.