Friends are remembering Thomas Everett as a familiar face in Jacksonville’s outreach community after he was hit and killed on Park Street.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The community is remembering Thomas Everett as a familiar face in Jacksonville, known for his faith, smile and willingness to help others.

Everett died after he was hit by an SUV shortly after 7 p.m. Monday on Park Street in Riverside, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Police said the driver was traveling southbound on Park Street when they hit Everett, who was in the roadway. Everett was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.



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The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, police said. JSO said the investigation remains ongoing and there were no pending charges as of Monday.

William Darnell, the founder of Saved 2 Serve, said he had known Everett for about eight years. The Jacksonville street ministry works with people experiencing homelessness and families in need.

“He was one of our special, special guys,” Darnell said.

Darnell said Everett became more than a friend to those at the ministry.

“There were times where he was a brother, there were times that he was a son,” Darnell said.

Darnell says Everett experienced homelessness while pursuing his education. He earned an associate degree and a master’s degree in journalism and hoped to become a sports reporter.

Darnell said Everett was a sports fan who enjoyed talking about the Florida Gators, Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He also volunteered with several ministries each week and was known for putting others first.

One Christmas, after Saved 2 Serve had spent the season helping people on the streets, Everett and friends saved money to surprise Darnell.

“They saved up money, and they took me out to dinner,” Darnell said. “When they took me out to dinner as a surprise, it was like such a special moment.”

Darnell said Everett will be remembered for his “radiating personality,” smile and laugh.

“He was that type of guy where he just, you know, he always loved to put people first,” Darnell said.

A celebration of life for Everett is planned for 4 p.m. Sunday at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park in Jacksonville.