ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A 20-year-old baseball player is being remembered for his character on and off the field after a crash in St. Johns County killed him last Sunday.
Aaron Hawkins was near State Road A1A and Mickler Road when another vehicle crossed into his path and struck him head-on, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. His former coach and those who loved him are now sharing the legacy he leaves behind.
‘Fierceness on the field versus his kindness’
Tributes poured in on social media following Hawkins’ death. The Coastal Canes Southeast travel baseball organization called him “Beautiful and charismatic on both the inside and the out.” Fleming Island High School, where Hawkins played, posted that he “represented Fleming Island High School with pride and character.”
Mike Martino, who coached Hawkins for more than three years at Fleming Island High School, said the news was still hard to process.
“I was just sitting there watching TV, and one of my assistant coaches texted me and he said, ‘I can’t confirm this, but I think Aaron Hawkins was in a pretty bad car accident,’” Martino said. “And so then, you’re trying to get information, hope it’s not true, you just kind of in shock.”
Martino, who has more than 30 years of coaching experience, described Hawkins as one of the most compassionate teenagers he ever coached — aggressive on the baseball field, but thoughtful the moment he stepped off it.
“I just kept coming back to like his fierceness on the field versus his kindness,” Martino said. “He was one of the most kind-hearted teenagers that I’ve ever coached.”
His little sister, Lana
Among Martino’s most vivid memories was watching Hawkins after games. Win or lose, Hawkins always made a beeline for his family — especially his little sister, Lana.
“It’s just really sad to think back and remember some of those things,” Martino said. “Like when the game was over, usually the first person he went to after the game was his little sister Lana. I mean, he would either have her on his shoulders or holding hands walking out of the field. I mean, those memories just burned in my psyche. You know, it’s such a great gift.”
After Fleming Island High School, Hawkins went on to attend Edward Waters University. In Jacksonville, he also developed a love of fishing — a passion his family carries with them as they plan his memorial.
Memorial service details
A memorial service for Aaron Hawkins will be held at the Broadus-Raines Chapel on Saturday, August 1 at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation or Walk Off Baseball Charities.