Sailor, 24, dies after motorcycle crash with suspected drunk driver

Kody Kinkton described by family friend as kind, compassionate

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 24-year-old sailor stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville died after a crash with a suspected drunk driver, according to loved ones. 

Dakota "Kody" Kinkton was surrounded by family and friends when he passed away Monday at Orange Park Medical Center. He leaves behind a wife and two children. 

"Please keep everyone in your prayers," a friend of the family told News4Jax. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Kinkton's family. The page reads:

Everyone is asking what they can do to help—Morgan and the kids are going to need a lot of support to make it through this. This money will be put aside for any expenses Morgan will have over the next months."

Loved ones described Kinkton as an amazing father, brother, husband and friend. Bailey Geier, a family friend, told News4Jax by phone Monday night that everyone knew Kinkton as "Superman."

“He has the purest heart. He’s so kind and compassionate. He’s the most incredible husband and father. He is one of the best people I’ve ever known," Geier said. 

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Daniel Crawford, 31, is charged with DUI in connection with Tuesday's crash, which happened shortly after midnight on U.S. 17 at Collins Road.

Troopers said Crawford's Jeep Compass was headed north on U.S. 17 and crossed into the path of a southbound motorcycle ridden by Kinkton, who was wearing a helmet. 

According to an arrest report, an officer noted that Crawford had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath, was slurring his speech and had watery, bloodshot eyes. He was booked into the Duval County jail about 3:40 a.m. Tuesday and was released later that day on $5,000 bond, online jail records show.

Crawford's next court date is set for March 14 at 9 a.m., according to Duval County court records.

Click here to donate to the GoFundMe account. 

DANIEL CRAWFORD, 31

About the Authors:

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.