JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A study done by KURU, a footwear company, shows Jacksonville is among the most dangerous U.S. cities for pedestrians, and community members are calling for change after a man was struck and killed Monday in Riverside.
Thirty-year-old Thomas Everett was crossing Park Street about 7 p.m. when an SUV struck him, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No charges have been filed in the case, the JSO said.
Tina Prater, a friend of Everett’s, said his death has left family and friends searching for answers.
“It’s really hard knowing that not only as a friend or a brother or a son — it’s really hard to know that God took an angel from us,” she said.
Prater urged tougher measures to prevent distracted driving.
“I really wish that the United States of America would come together and put things in cars where if you have a cell phone you can’t start your car,” she said. “That’s my own opinion, because there’s too many wrecks, too many people getting killed.”
Heather Rios, a member of the ministry Saved2Serve, said Everett helped her through a difficult time and that the two worked together feeding people experiencing homelessness.
“I’ve known him for 11 years,” Rios said. “I struggled with addiction and we created this ministry while I was in the grips of my addiction, where we would come outside and feed homeless people hot dogs.”
Saved2Serve will host a memorial for Everett Sunday at Lift Every Voice and Sing Park.
Twenty-nine pedestrian deaths have occurred in Duval County so far this year. City officials say Jacksonville has unveiled plans to reduce that number by half by 2035.
Click here to see the full study and methodology.
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