JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man on his way from his church Springfield on Wednesday evening was struck and killed by a car going the wrong way on Arlington Expressway.
Zarrell Crittenden, 27, was driving east on the expressway near Southside Boulevard at 9:50 p.m. when his Ford Fusion was struck by a Volkswagen Passat driven by Asea Hollingshed, 28. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the VW was going west in the eastbound lanes at the time.
Both drivers had to be cut out of the vehicles by Jacksonville Fire-Rescue. Crittenden, who troopers said was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene. Hollingshed was taken to Memorial Hospital with critical injuries.
The pastor at Christians United outreach ministries said Crittenden was a father with three young children. He was a life-long resident of Jacksonville and a graduate of Terry Parker High School.
“He was a phenomenal young man, about 27 years old. He had been here about 10 years. A true blessing," Pastor Eric Gibbs said. “His smile was infectious. He loved everybody, cared about everybody, hugged everybody. He’s a wonderful young man we’re definitely going to miss him."
Crittenden’s wife wasn’t ready to be interviewed but a statement about her husband:
“Zarrell was extremely passionate and devoted to his family and friends. He placed Jesus above all and lived his life according to the word of God. He was a man of honor and valor and he was the most amazing man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was a great husband, awesome father, loving son and caring brother. He enjoyed coaching at Terry Parker High and spending time with his boys. He will be severely missed.”
The Hollingshead’s VW continued on after hitting Crittenden’s Ford and struck a third vehicle, but that driver was not injured. Arlington Expressway was closed for several hours while troopers investigated. According to the preliminary report, charges are pending.
News4Jax found that Hollingshead has 15 traffic citations dating back to 2011, including five for speeding, four for driving on a suspended license and one for careless driving.