JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax has learned the name of the teen who tragically lost her life in a deadly accident along Old Kings Road at Habana Avenue. The victim, 16-year-old Alondra Martinez, was a student at Atlantic Coast High School.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Her sister, Alejandra Martinez, spoke with Action News Jax and shared the heartbreak she’s feeling.
“I wasn’t thinking the worst. I just thought that she broke her arm or something,” Alejandra said, recalling the moment she learned of the accident.
Alejandra was woken up early Friday morning by their mother, who informed her that Alondra had been hit by a car while walking to her bus stop. Police said the driver struck Alondra as she was heading to school. The driver rushed her to the hospital, but despite efforts to save her, Alondra tragically passed away from her injuries.
Alondra’s family described her as a loving, thoughtful young woman. She was just 16 years old and had dreams of following in her sister’s footsteps to become a welder.
“She did whatever she could just to make us happy. She had everything figured out,” Alejandra said, holding on to the precious memories of her sister’s bright future that will now never be realized.
This marks the second teen in the area this week to be struck by a car while walking to a bus stop. Alondra’s death is the third incident involving a teen in just eight days.
Alejandra is now calling for change. She believes more needs to be done to make Old Kings Road safer for pedestrians, particularly students. “I think they should put up more signs, especially for the high school kids because it’s dark and you can’t see them. Or at least add more lights, especially right here,” she said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the accident. Authorities do not believe the driver was speeding or impaired, and the driver stayed at the scene.
Alondra’s family said they have many unanswered questions, but for now, they want to focus on holding their loved ones close. “Keep your family close because everything happens in an instant,” Alejandra added.
The family has set up a GoFundMe account to help cover funeral expenses. So far, they have raised over $2,600. You can find the link to donate HERE.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.