GLEN ST MARY, Fla. -- A Baker County community is suffering today after a car crash claimed the life of a young 14-year-old girl.
A jagged skidmark lines County Road 139. Off on the shoulder, a makeshift memorial honors Jordan Sommise.
Emotions were running high there Monday as a small group of friends gathered to remember her.
According to police, she was one of two passengers in the pickup truck Austin "Gage" Kight, 17, was driving. We're told he tried passing another vehicle, lost control and the truck rolled, crashing into woods.
Kight and Cory Craig, 17, were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Craig remains in critical condition.
"I got a phone call at like midnight and I just rushed out there," said friend John Ryan.
Ryan didn't know Sommise well but tells Action News she was attending Florida Virtual School and had plans to go to Baker County High School.
On Monday morning, students there held a vigil at the flagpole for all three. And they're praying for Craig, who we've learned may never be able to walk again.
"He loved weightlifting he loved to ride four wheelers he loved to ride his motorcycle," Joey Taylor said. "Every day after school he'd go to work then he'd go ride dirt bikes. Every single day."
While these friends are left feeling helpless, they all agree there is one thing they can do.
"They're definitely in my prayers and they're staying strong and everything is in God's hands and God's watching over them," said Sara Pettyjohn.
According to police, charges are pending against the driver - Austin Kight.
Friends are planning a candlelight vigil for Sommise on December 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Macclenny duck pond.
The Baker County School District released the following statement Monday to Action News:
"The Baker County School District is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Jordan Sommise. We wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family. We have at our school sites trained grief counselors available to help our students cope with the loss of this loved one. We also are praying for the other students who were in the accident, as well as their families. We are praying for full and speedy recoveries.
Our thoughts and prayers are with these families as they go through this difficult time."
