The 26-year-old died in a motorcycle crash on Feb. 3 along Hodges Boulevard in Jacksonville.<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 One week after a devastating motorcycle crash, hundreds of people filled the Providence School baseball field to remember 26\u2011year\u2011old Koby Flores, a friend, son and teammate known for his faith, energy and love for others.<\/p>\n
Family and friends described Flores as a genuine soul who loved the Lord and lifted everyone around him.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne day we\u2019ll think about him and smile before we cry, because we know he\u2019s looking down on us,\u201d one of his childhood friends said.<\/p>\n
Some of those who came to the vigil grew up with Flores, playing baseball together from childhood.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all grew up since we were six years old together playing baseball,\u201d one friend said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t even feel real,” another added. “I spent my whole life trying to be like him. It just hurts a lot. I miss him.\u201d<\/p>\n
The memorial on the field served as both a celebration of Flores\u2019 life and a show of support for his family. His father said the community\u2019s love has meant the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe touched a lot of lives, and it proved tonight,\u201d his father, Brad Flores said, who added that working alongside his son at TCI Mechanical in Atlantic Beach was one of his greatest joys.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was special to work with him. I got the opportunity to see him every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flores died Feb. 3 after his motorcycle collided with an SUV that turned into his path along Hodges Boulevard, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators.<\/p>\n
A memorial now sits at the crash site, flowers and a piece of his motorcycle resting where his life was cut short.<\/p>\n
On and off the field, those who knew him say Flores lived by the motto \u201cfaith over fear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was like a little roadrunner, that was actually the name of our team,\u201d one friend said. \u201cYou could see his legs moving in circles and he\u2019d even grunt when he ran.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe could walk into any room and dial up the temperature,\u201d another added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest dawg in the room,” his friend said. “I\u2019ll miss him.\u201d<\/p>\n
His friends described him as fiercely competitive, joyful and always willing to give everything for those he loved.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust him laying out on the field, that\u2019s a symbol of his life,\u201d said another friend. \u201cThat\u2019s what he did for his friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flores\u2019 death marks the fifth motorcycle fatality in Duval County so far this year. Loved ones say his story is a powerful reminder of why motorcycle safety matters.<\/p>\n
For now, the people who knew Koby Flores best are clinging to their memories, his laughter, his energy and the faith that kept him grounded.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love him so much,\u201d his father said. \u201cWe can\u2019t wait to see him again.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Jacksonville Sheriff\u2019s Office offers free motorcycle safety courses, with the next one scheduled for Feb. 28. Information on how to register can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n