TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray News) – A high school band member and his mother are being remembered after police said the two were killed in a car crash Monday morning.
The teen was identified by Rickards High School Raiders Athletics department as Gavin Witmer. He and his mother were killed in a crash just before 9 a.m.
Police said the crash occurred after a pickup truck was traveling east on East Tennessee Street before losing control and going over the median. The truck then hit a sedan occupied by Witmer, his mother and his sibling, police said.
Witmer’s mom died at the scene, according to police. Witmer and his sibling were taken to a local hospital, where police said Witmer sadly passed away due to his injuries.
Rickards Raiders Athletics department announced on Tuesday they are deeply saddened by the passing of Witmer and his mother, who was also a band booster mom.
“Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the Witmer family and friends during this difficult time of bereavement,” the school’s athletics department wrote on social media. “One Nation Raider Nation!”
Leon County Schools took to X, formerly known as Twitter, Tuesday to post a statement sharing their condolences.
“Our hearts are heavy this week thinking about the Witmer family,” the statement said. “We will provide support for the Rickards students and staff throughout this tragedy.”
Graphics were shared on the Rickards High School sending condolences to the family on behalf of the school community.
Florida A&M University’s Marching “100” band also took to social media with a statement.
“On behalf of the Incomparable Marching ‘100’ family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Gavin Witmer and his mother who was also a Band Booster Mom,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the Witmer family, friends, and the entire Rickards High School band family during this difficult time of bereavement.”
Late Tuesday morning, Florida State University’s Marching Chiefs also released a statement.
The crash is under investigation, according to Tallahassee Police.
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