JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Neighbors living near I-295 on Jacksonville’s Northside said they watched a deadly crash unfold just yards from their homes late Thursday night — and now want the victims’ family to know they were not alone in the final moments.
Florida Highway Patrol says the crash happened at about 10:35 p.m. Thursday on I-295 northbound near mile marker 37.
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According to FHP’s report, a black Jeep veered off the roadway, continued off the road and hit a tree. Troopers say the vehicle then became engulfed in flames.
FHP says the 42-year-old woman driving and a 3-year-old boy passenger — both from Jacksonville — died at the scene.
Jami-Leigh Ross, who lives behind the interstate near where the crash happened, reached out to News4JAX Friday morning.
Ross told News4JAX she and her daughter were outside when they heard the crash and walked to the end of their driveway.
She said neighbors tried to help using what they had — including a fire extinguisher and a hose — while waiting for emergency crews to arrive.
“I prayed” Ross said getting emotional as she described what she felt afterward.
“It’s sadness,” she said.
Ross said she wanted to speak out because she doesn’t want the family to think their loved ones were alone.
“I would like to just let them know that they had seven people right there with them. Seven people that tried, seven people that prayed seven people that watch them enter the Gates of Heaven.”
Ross said she returned to the crash site the next morning after the scene was cleared to reflect on what happened.
“I just want the family to know that we’re here,” she said. “This address is here for them.”