‘Amazing kid:’ Family, friends describe 19-year-old killed in Clay County crash

Clay County, FL. — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that killed a 19-year-old and 44-year-old in Clay County Monday night.

According to the crash report, a pickup truck was driving east on County Road 226 when the driver, a 42-year-old woman, lost control and struck at tree and an electrical pole at the corner of County Road 209.

She is in the hospital in serious condition.

Family and friends identified the 19-year-old as David Hardie.

He was set to graduate from Clay High School this May.

The 44-year-old killed was Hardie’s father.

“I just want people to know [David] was a good person. Caring, understanding, never judged anybody,” Hannah Steger, one of his friends, said. “I’m still trying to piece it all together. Like he’s just now gone.”

Clay County Schools confirmed the 19-year-old was a student and told Action News Jax that grief counselors have been made available.

“I keep saying it wasn’t their time to go, it wasn’t their time, but that’s selfish of me, because when it’s your time, it’s your time,” Steger said.

There was another 14-year-old passenger in the pickup truck. FHP said she is in the hospital in serious condition. Troopers continue to investigate what led up to the crash.

Cox Media Group