JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of North Florida community is mourning the loss of one of its own after a motorcycle crash near the school Wednesday night.

The school said Hunter Ford, a student studying information technology, was identified as the victim. He also worked to help other students and faculty as part of the Information Technology Services Department on campus.

Ford was a Jacksonville native and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts 2022 graduate who took his love for technology beyond the classroom, having won UNF’s 2023 AI For Good Hackathon.

“He will be remembered for his bright and kind personality,” wrote a UNF spokesperson in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to Hunter’s family and friends and have counseling resources available for the Osprey community.”

Those who knew Hunter Ford both online and in person are remembering his spirit, his engaging videos and his impact on campus and in the bike community.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Ford was riding a motorcycle west on Town Center Parkway, near the Chick-fil-A, when he collided with an Audi that was attempting to turn left onto Tropia Way. Ford was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

Outside of the classroom, Ford had an active social media presence where he vlogged, rode his bike and did campus interviews.

“Hey pookies,” is how the 21-year-old would start every video. Now those words carrying even more weight after Ford’s life was tragically cut short.

Asher Clark was a fan of Ford’s online content before he had the pleasure of working with him, 

“I really enjoyed his content ‘cause he’s such an outgoing person… he would go out of his way to talk to people, to make friends,” said Asher Clark.

They met back in March and both were photographing events for UNF Hockey and the Jacksonville Sharks.

Clark remembers the last conversation he had with Ford, about a week ago.  

“We’re just chatting, we’re just talking about photography and videography,” he said.

Clark still shocked at the tragic news, alongside hundreds of other supporters in Ford’s comment section. 

“You never know what’s going to happen in life, you know, you’re not guaranteed next day.  That’s what I’ve been telling people like, go hug your mom and dad or family members, tell them you love them because you know, you never know when you’ll see him again,” he said. 

On Saturday, October 18th at 6pm, a memorial ride and walk will be held for Hunter Ford at the UNF arena garage. Everyone is welcome. 

Ford’s celebration of life will be on Sunday, October 19th at Dignity Memorial on St. Johns Bluff in Jacksonville.