JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The mother of an 18-year-old Cory Holmes, who died in crash Saturday night as he was driving home, said her son was getting ready for his senior year at Raines High School and knew he wanted to become a firefighter.
"He said 'Mom,' and that was the last time I heard anything from him," said Courtney Singleton. "Next thing I know, the Florida Highway Patrol was calling me."
According to troopers, Holmes was on the ramp from Interstate 295 northbound onto I-10 eastbound Saturday night around 10:15 when he lost control of his car, went off the road and crashed into a tree.
Holmes died at the scene.
Singleton said seven minutes passed between the text he sent to say he was heading home to when troopers say he lost control of his car.
Singleton said Cory was an honor roll student and had already applied to the fire academy.
"It's hard, but I'm trying with the strength of God and my backbone, my family," she said.
Tuesday, which was also Singleton's birthday, she was surrounded by friends and family as she described her first-born son as a young man whose family meant the world to him. He had already planned on how they would celebrate.
"I remember I was riding with Cory and he said, 'Mom, I'm going to get you $100 steak. I know you like steak, so I'm going to get you $100 steak.' So I'm waiting on my steak, Cory," she said.
Singleton said the support she has received has helped her get through the last few days.
"It's keeping me strong, because when I'm not around everyone, they're gone, it makes me just shut down and break down," Singleton said.
Cory's younger sister is also grieving.
"He was a great brother," she said.
Family members are selling dinners at their store at 3510 Wilson Street, near the intersection of 26th Street. They are also planning a car wash to help with funeral expenses, but don't have details on a time or place.
The viewing and funeral for Cory Holmes will be Aug. 4 and 5. The time and location will be announced later.