In the wake of a heartbreaking loss, a powerful wave of community support and urgent demands for safety reforms is gaining momentum, turning grief into a collective push for lasting change.
A Duval County educator and his 1-year-old son died after being struck by a car while crossing Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville, Florida. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Officer Max Morel identified the victims as Mitchell Patch and his son, Everett. Patch was a math teacher at Bayview Elementary School.
Duval County Public Schools confirmed Patch’s identity to News4JAX on Monday, May 19. He was part of a gathering at Wicked Barley Brewing Company before the incident occurred.
Kelly York, the principal of Bayview Elementary, informed school families about the loss in a message sent on Saturday. “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,” York stated.
“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,” concluded the message.
To support those affected, the school will have trained counselors and social workers available on campus starting Monday.
Dylan Williams, a manager at Wicked Barley Brewing Company, shared with News4JAX that Patch had been part of a large party held at the venue that night.
“We were in the middle of a rush when it happened. Next thing you know, we just started seeing flashing lights. It started getting bigger. So we kind of figured something more intense happened,” Williams said.
“We had a large group of family members mourning. It was very tragic,” he added.
Authorities reported that the driver involved in the crash was taken to a local hospital and is cooperating with the investigation.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over pedestrian safety in the Baymeadows area. “If we could have our city look at maybe some kind of crosswalk or some kind of pedestrian lights for our area to help keep people safe. That’d be incredible,” Williams told News4JAX.