GEORGIA, — An Atlantic Coast High School student has died following a crash near a school bus stop on Old Kings Road, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the student’s family.

Family of Alondra Martinez, 16, said she was killed Friday morning when the bus stop was dark. Police said she was hit by a car around 6:00 a.m. while crossing Old Kings Road near Habana Avenue.

According to police, the driver of the vehicle stopped to help Martinez and took her to a nearby medical facility then stayed there to call police. Police said the doctor first stated Martinez’s injuries were life-threatening but then stated she was in stable condition, which resulted in JSO’s traffic homicide unit not initially responding. JSO said Martinez’s injuries were later upgraded to life-threatening and she died.

Martinez’s sister described her as loving, caring and hardworking. She said she taught Martinez to drive and that Martinez loved church and taking care of animals and worked at Chick-Fil-A to save up for her dream car, a red Volkswagen Beetle.

“She was my best friend,” said Martinez’s sister, Alejandra Martinez. “She was the best sister I could ever ask for.” 

A GoFundMe created for Martinez raised thousands of dollars within hours. Alejandra Martinez wants the area near the bus stop to be made safer.

“That crosswalk, I hope they put the push button so it shows lights that people are crossing because it’s really dark right there and I know a lot of high school students, they still ride the bus,” she said.

The night before Martinez’s death, First Coast News talked with the Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier about a new safety campaign they’re launching because of the number of students getting hit by cars on their way to and from school.

“Be safe, be seen,” said Bernier about the name of the campaign. “Please, if you’re a driver watching this, be on the lookout for our children. We’ve had three fatalities this year with young people being hit to and from school.”

Bernier said the campaign will be mostly focused on students and that the mayor, sheriff’s office, and fire chief are involved.

“Talk to your children, your grandchildren and other people and remind them how important it is to get to and from school as safely as possible,” he said. “Work with your crossing guard, cross at intersections, use the lights and if you’re riding a bike or an electric vehicle or scooter, please make sure you’re wearing a helmet.”

The principal of Atlantic Coast High School said the school is offering grief counseling.

Read Principal Michael George’s statement here:

Good afternoon Atlantic Coast High School families. This is Principal George calling. 

It is with profound sadness that I call you this afternoon to share the news of the unexpected passing of one of our students, who was tragically struck by a vehicle earlier this morning while waiting at their bus stop. As a school community, we are brokenhearted by this tragic passing, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and our entire Stingray community during this incredibly difficult time.

Your child may be affected, even if they did not personally know the student. To assist our students and staff, specially-trained counselors and social workers are available on campus. Your child is important to our school community, and we want to do whatever we can to support them.  However, if you would prefer that your child not participate in any of the grief counseling activities, please contact us via email to inform us of your wishes.

Last piece on my end is just, hug your folks. Moments like this emphasize that nothing in life is guaranteed. Make sure the people around you know how you feel about them each and every day. 

Again, I am so sorry to have to bring you this news, and please feel free to contact me directly if you have any thoughts or questions.