JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A father and his toddler-aged son were hit and killed while crossing Baymeadows Road after an event with several families Friday evening. 

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, a man and his son were hit and killed by a Honda Civic while crossing Baymeadows Road near Goodbys Creek, just east of San Jose Boulevard around 8:30 p.m. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue pronounced them both dead at the scene. 

One witness to the crash, Travis Akers, says he’s a friend of the surviving wife and mother, Mary, and provided more details of the tragic incident on his Facebook page. He also included a photograph of the family. First Coast News blurred the toddler’s face because of his age.

Akers said he’s not ready to speak about the crash, but did send First Coast News this personal statement: 

“Even after 20 years in the military, nothing can prepare you for the horrific tragedy we witnessed last night. My heart is absolutely broken for Mary, and the family and loved ones of Mitch and baby Everett. As a parent, I cannot even begin to comprehend the level of pain and loss this family is experiencing. Mary is a special human, with a passion for life, and immeasurable love for her husband and baby. I would ask the community to continue to pour their support and love into Mary’s life as she begins to rebuild her heart and heal.”

Mary’s gym community at Burn Boot Camp Mandarin started a GoFundMe page for the family, which has raised nearly $40,000 as of Saturday evening. 

An email obtained by First Coast News confirmed that Mitch was a teacher at Bayview Elementary.