A St. Johns County community mourns a 12-year-old student, tragically killed while riding a mini dirt bike outside Patriot Oaks Academy.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A community in St. Johns County is grieving after a 12-year-old student was killed in a crash Tuesday afternoon outside Patriot Oaks Academy in the Durbin area.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the student was riding a gas-powered mini dirt bike in a crosswalk along Longleaf Pine Parkway when he was hit by a car. Investigators say the driver was 17 years old. The 12-year-old was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
On Wednesday, flowers and candles lined the area near the crash site as neighbors, classmates and parents gathered to mourn.
“My heart is just saddened for this family and for this community,” said Ashley Sinclair, a parent. “I have three kids who go to the school and I’m just so saddened by what has happened.”
Video from the scene shows the mini dirt bike pinned underneath a car following the crash.
People who live nearby say the tragedy has shaken the entire community.
“I just wanted to show my support to show [the community] that they are not alone,” said Kiley Moses, a nearby resident. “If they need anything, we are all here to help,” said Kiley Moses, a nearby resident.
Parents say the area is heavily traveled by children who walk or bike to school and nearby neighborhood amenities.
“Everyone is a walker or a biker. There are kids everywhere,” Sinclair said.
Neighbors say their focus now is supporting the grieving family.
“They are supported by the whole community,” Moses said. “We stand with them.”
The crash remains under investigation. As of Wednesday, no charges have been filed.