JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A crash last Thursday claimed the life of an area teenage mother who left behind her husband and their 22-month-old daughter.
Sari Marcus, 18, was killed in a single-car crash on Cedar Point Road near New Berlin Road on Jacksonville’s Northside.
Marcus’ daughter and a friend were also in the SUV with her but weren’t seriously injured.
Members of Marcus’ family said they can’t believe she’s gone and are still numb from the loss. Her family told News4Jax she was a vibrant young woman.
Sari’s mother-in-law, Monica Marcus, said her son and Sari had a true love story. She said she knew her son, Charlie Marcus, had met his match. They were young high schoolers when they met, but the connection between the two was undeniable.
“Amazing,” Monica Marcus said of her son’s marriage. “Very spirited. Very happy. Very loving.”
Sai and Charlie got married, had their daughter and had just got their first place together.
“Her face just lit up,” Monica Marcus said. “Anything to do with Charlie or Adalynn, she was just so bubbly and vibrant.”
The family’s fairy tale abruptly turned into a nightmare.
Sari had her daughter in the car and she was driving her best friend to work when something caused her to leave the road and crash into a light pole. The toddler and friend weren’t badly hurt, but Sari died.
“He is devastated. He is devastated and it is heartbreaking as a mother to watch your only child and not be able to fix that,” Monica said.
Jacksonville police are investigating what caused the crash and if there was anyone else involved. The family also hired attorney Mac Hardesty to look into it.
“Everybody wants closure,” Monica said. “And that’s what our family needs right now.”
The Marcus family said it’s a dark time, especially so close to the holidays. Family members told News4Jax that they know they have stick together and rely on their faith to get through.
“(I) just want to say thank you to everyone in the community for their love and their prayers and their support for our family,” Monica said.
Sari’s family will have a memorial service for her Thursday at North Jacksonville Baptist Church on North Main Street. Doors open at 6 p.m. Those who knew Sari or her family are welcome.
Anyone who would like to help Sari’s family with funeral expenses, or help support her 22-month-old daughter, her co-workers at Palms Fish Camp set up a GoFundMe account. Click here to donate.