JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida community is mourning the loss of Hunter Ford, a student who died following a motorcycle crash on Town Center Parkway late Wednesday evening.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred around 10:20 p.m. when Ford’s motorcycle collided with a car making a left turn at an intersection. Ford was thrown from the bike and later died at the hospital.
Ford, a Douglas Anderson graduate who enrolled at UNF in August 2022, was known throughout campus as a content creator who frequently shared photos and videos of university life. He was also employed by the university’s ITS Department.
UNF had previously shared a story highlighting Ford’s win at the 2023 AI for Good Hackathon.
The University of North Florida released a statement acknowledging Ford’s passing:
The University is saddened to learn about the passing of UNF student Hunter Ford, who was studying information technology in the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. He also worked on campus with the ITS Department, where he will be remembered for his bright and kind personality.
University of North Florida Spokesperson
“He always knew how to be himself, and he did that in such a positive outcome and effect,” Wyatt Thompson said.
Thompson is a UNF junior who knew Ford through Osprey Racing. Thompson spoke with Ford just hours before the accident.
The crash marks Jacksonville’s 133rd traffic fatality this year and the 35th involving a motorcycle.
These numbers already match the total motorcycle fatalities from 2023 (35) and exceed those from 2024 (29), with more than two months remaining in the year.
Friends and family are organizing a Memorial Ride scheduled for Oct. 18 in Ford’s honor.
“He’ll leave a very positive impact on the campus because he knew how to be himself,” Thompson said. “And I think that he’ll be watching over those on campus.”