Florida boy, 12, taken off of life support after being struck by car in Winter Garden crash
Winter Garden boy, 12, taken off of life support after crash
Rodney Jean Thomas was struck by a car late Monday evening near Old Winter Garden road. Thomas was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical center and was taken off of life support Wednesday afternoon. A family friend of Thomas' family spoke with FOX 35's Alexus Cleavenger, she shares the accident happened while Thomas was crossing the road late at night with his younger brother.
OCOEE, Fla. - A 12-year-old boy died days after he was struck by a car in Ocoee, leaving his family, friends and community heartbroken.
Ocoee police officers responded to a call about a crash around 7:45 p.m. on Monday, off of Old Winter Garden road near Blackwood Ave. When they arrived, they discovered Rodney Jean Thomas had been hit by a vehicle and was critically injured. He was taken by helicopter to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Boy's younger brother witnessed crash
The backstory:
Rodney Jean Thomas was struck by a vehicle on Old Winter Garden Road while his younger brother was nearby, according to a family friend, Christy Reynolds, who considers Rodney like a nephew.
General view of a pedestrian involved car crash, a 12-year-old boy was struck. Credit: FOX 35
Reynolds said Rodney was playing with a friend and had his younger brother with him when they attempted to cross the road. It was dark, and the area had few streetlights, she said.
Rodney was airlifted to a hospital following the crash. Ocoee police said the driver remained at the scene.
Child taken off life support
What they're saying:
Rodney's condition did not appear to be improving as family members and loved ones visited him to say their goodbyes. The child was taken off of life support on Tuesday.
"Rodney was a sweet boy. He loved music. He loved singing. He loved listening to Z88.3 and singing along," Reynolds said. "He loved going to vacation Bible school at our church."
She described Rodney as a devoted family member who especially loved his two younger brothers.
"He loved his family, loved his brothers, was a good big brother to his two younger brothers," Reynolds said.
As the family faces the tragedy, Reynolds said the community has rallied around them.
Elementary school issues statement
Rodney attended Thornbrooke Elementary School, which released a statement expressing support for the student and his family following Monday evening's accident. The school directed community members who feel inclined to visit the family's GoFundMe.
Reynolds said the family needs continued love and support as they navigate the difficult time.
What's next:
Ocoee police said the crash remains under investigation.
The Source: This article was written with information gathered from a news release by the City of Ocoee Police Department and a social media post by Thornebrooke Elementary School.