ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns County community is mourning a 12-year-old Patriot Oaks Academy student after he was killed Tuesday afternoon in a crash in the crosswalk in front of the school.
The incident happened around 3 p.m. The child was using a motorized bike, crossing the road at the crosswalk, when a 17-year-old driver struck them, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Neighbors, who didn’t want to go on camera, told News4JAX that surveillance video from a nearby house captured the crash.
News4JAX visited the home and saw a camera facing the crash site, but we were unable to speak with anyone inside.
Residents hoped the video would help clarify how the tragic accident occurred.
Sean Bubb, who lives behind Patriot Oaks Academy, said, “I feel for the family, it is just awful.”
Scott Norteman, a parent, added, “I can’t imagine, I have two sons and it’s a terrible thing.”
A small memorial has been set up near the crosswalk, a daily route for many students, which will serve as a reminder of what happened there.
Bubb reflected on the impact of the tragedy on the school community. “I can’t imagine what’s going on in that school right now. I can’t imagine how those kids are, you know, his friends have gone in, and at that age you don’t really fully understand and comprehend.”
He also recalled a previous tragedy at the school. “We had an incident before a few years ago with a young girl [Tristyn Bailey] who was murdered, which was devastating and still is devastating to everybody. Things like this are just beyond sad and it brings home that you can never take any day for granted.”
Parents also expressed concerns about safety on Longleaf Pine Parkway, where the crash occurred.
Norteman said, “It’s pretty high density now. We have a huge number of developments out here, and so there is a lot of traffic. People are commuting back and forth to work. Honestly, it is a dangerous spot for a child to cross, especially someone that age that may not have the judgment or experience.”
Questions remain about the circumstances of the crash, including whether the child was riding or walking the motorized bike across the road and whether the driver was paying attention.
“Your heart breaks for the little boy, the family, you know, the other family that’s involved on the other side of it. It is just a horrible thing,” Bubb said.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office told News4JAX that, out of respect for both families, they will not release the identities of the victim or the driver at this time. The investigation is ongoing, and it may be some time before the full incident report is available.