Father and his one-year-old son died in a car accident

A community is in mourning after a tragic accident claimed the lives of a father and his one-year-old son, who were fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing Baymeadows Road last week.

Mitchell Patch and his infant son Everett were hit by an older model Honda Civic at approximately 8:30 p.m. on May 16, near the intersection with San Jose Boulevard. The pair were crossing the road when the devastating incident occurred, leaving behind a grieving wife and mother, Mary Patch.

Emergency crews from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department rushed to the scene but tragically pronounced both Mitchell and Everett dead, according to an official statement released by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) on Facebook.

The driver of the Honda Civic was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is cooperating fully with investigators, authorities confirmed. Commander Dan Shelton of the JSO provided further information: “The preliminary investigation revealed a white man in his mid to late 30s was crossing the street with his one-year-old son when they were struck by an older model Honda Civic traveling eastbound on Baymeadows Road.

“Jacksonville Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced the man and his child deceased. The driver of the Honda Civic was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.

“JSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and is conducting a thorough investigation. This case remains active. Our hearts are with the family and friends of the man and his child.”

Mitchell Patch was a well-regarded mathematics teacher at Bayview Elementary School. In a statement shared with local media, the school’s headteacher paid tribute to him: “We will all certainly remember Mr. Patch for his incredible commitment to students and to the teaching profession. He was a dedicated educator and well-loved and respected member of our Brave family, reports the Mirror US.

“Our sympathies go out to Mr. Patch’s family, friends, and our entire school community during this difficult time. I am deeply saddened, and I know the students, staff and family members who knew Mr. Patch will miss him tremendously.”

A GoFundMe page has been established to help support Mary Patch with funeral expenses and other financial needs arising from the tragedy. The appeal reads:

“On Friday May 16th, our beloved trainer Mary lost her husband, Mitchell, and her son, Everett, in an unimaginable accident. This devastating loss has left her and her family heartbroken… Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.”

Donations continue to pour in as the Jacksonville community rallies behind the grieving mother in her time of need. You can donate to the GoFundMe page by clicking here.

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(Image: GoFundMe)