ST. JOHNS, Fla. – Some families in St. Johns County gathered Sunday morning to remember a 12-year-old boy killed in a crash near Patriot Oaks Academy on Feb. 17.
The boy was hit outside of the school in the crosswalk while on a 99C gas-powered mini dirtbike around 3 p.m., shortly after school let out. He was wearing a helmet; he died at the hospital.
The boy’s name has not been publicly released by the family or by the sheriff’s office, but there has been an outpouring of support for the family and the school community since the tragedy.
Everyone who attended Sunday’s celebration of life at the school got a red pin.
That includes Joey Sullivan, a good friend of the 12-year-old, who said he will never forget the boy’s kindness and compassion.
“He had the biggest smile on his face,” Sullivan said. “He was always there for other people that were upset. He would lift them high.”
Outside of the school near the crosswalk, a growing memorial features dozens of flowers and signs bearing messages for the child.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s office, the 17-year-old driver involved in the crash will not face any criminal charges, but the investigation into what happened is still open.