ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A 12-year-old student on a motorized bike died after being hit by a car Tuesday in the Durbin Crossing neighborhood in St. Johns County.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said the student was riding a 99c gas-powered mini dirt bike around 3 p.m. when he was hit by a car in the crosswalk outside of Patriot Oaks Academy on Longleaf Pine Parkway.
The St. Johns County School District initially said the student was riding an e-bike in earlier reports.
The 17-year-old driver was cooperating with the investigation, according to deputies. At the time, and based on the current evidence, deputies said no charges had been filed.
The student suffered life-threatening injuries, according to the St. Johns County Fire Rescue department, and was life-flighted to the hospital, but died from his injuries, according to an announcement from the sheriff’s office around 11 p.m.
Sophia and Scarlett Zapata knew the student who was hit, and Sophia was his classmate.
“I could tell you that he’s a really nice kid, and I talked to him a lot,” Sophia Zapata said.
“He’s a wonderful kid,” Scarlett Zapata said. “I’ve heard so much about him and his brother and how he’s super nice, and he’s just really sweet.”
Witnesses said paramedics attempted to use a defibrillator on scene, but he was not responding.
Sophia and her sister sent their prayers in support of his family.
“I feel like I can understand how hard it was for his parents and his relatives to find out. It’s a really hard thing to lose a child. I’m not sure if he’s unconscious or if he has passed, but at least we can pray,” she said.
SJSO confirmed that the student was wearing the helmet that was seen on the ground near the bike.
Christina Upchurch with the school district said a support counselor will be at the school starting Wednesday.
“They will stay as long as is needed, which could range from hours to days,’ Upchurch said.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.