JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The family of the 14-year-old killed in a minibike crash in the Lavilla neighborhood is devastated by his death, calling it “unreal.”
Marquel Kearse Jr. and his 13-year-old friend were riding a minibike on Thursday when they struck a dump truck on South Myrtle Avenue. The crash was caught on surveillance video at a nearby business.
Kennethia Mott, Kearse’s aunt who lives in Alabama, told News4JAX that the family is distraught.
“He was really an easy going kid. Very manageable, very respectable. And it’s just a tragic loss,” Mott said. “We trying to get through the day. We’re here now trying to do arrangements. My sister is distraught. We’re trying to take it moment by moment, day by day.”
The video shows the dump truck driving north on Myrtle Avenue. As the driver turns right, a minibike is seen approaching on the right side of the truck. The driver of the minibike seems to slow down but ends up crashing into the truck.
The two teens were thrown off the bike and taken to the hospital.
Kearse’s dad, Marquel Kearse, shared a message for the youth community in his grievance of his son.
“To all the kids driving motorcyclists, dirt bikes, anything, just wear helmets and please be safe and watch out for all crossroads,” he urged.
Mott said her nephew enjoyed playing basketball, loved listening to music and riding the minibike.
“Overall, he was just what a typical 14-year-old loved to do, be a kid,” she said.
The family started a GoFundMe to help pay for the funeral cost.
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