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In a tragic incident nearly two weeks ago, a Riverside High School senior lost his life while attempting to mediate a conflict outside the Burger King where he was employed.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Friday night, the Westside neighborhood echoed with chants of “Long live Matthew” as community members came together to pay tribute to 18-year-old Matthew Jackson. The Riverside High School senior was tragically shot and killed while trying to separate individuals involved in a fight outside his workplace at Burger King.
Amid the glow of flickering blue candles, Natasha Jackson, Matthew’s mother, stood surrounded by loved ones. She spoke of her son’s bravery and empathy, emphasizing his willingness to help others.
“He stepped in to protect someone,” Natasha Jackson shared. “It could have been anyone, so today and forever, I choose to honor my son’s memory.”
The shooting occurred on November 22, following a confrontation between one of Jackson’s colleagues and another individual. As Jackson intervened, the situation unfortunately escalated to gunfire, resulting in his death at the scene. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect was swiftly taken into custody.
Natasha described her son as a peacemaker who dreamed of serving in the military as a police officer.
“He always had that protective spirit,” she said. “Peace was his thing. He didn’t like conflict.”
Friends and classmates from Riverside High described Jackson as a “ball of sunshine” who loved to cook and was rarely seen without a snack in hand. Through laughter and tears, they shared stories of the joy he brought to their classroom and lives.
“He was really like a ball of sunshine,” one classmate said. “He brought energy everywhere he went.”
Another friend said Jackson reminded them to be grateful.
“We just have to enjoy the moments we have,” the classmate said. “Hug your loved ones tight for sure.”
Natasha Jackson said she’s still in shock, struggling to process the loss.
“I catch myself breaking down,” she said. “Can’t sleep, can’t eat. It still feels like a dream.”
She hopes her son will be remembered not for how he died, but for how he lived, with kindness, laughter and a heart for others.
“Mama love you, baby,” she said. “And he knows it.”
A funeral service for Matthew Jackson will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at T.S. Warden Funeral Home on North Main Street.
