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One year later, mom of Jacksonville man killed in hit-and-run still searching for answers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Carol Kent fought back tears after returning to the same place her son had been spending time with friends before he was killed.

"It's hard but I try to remember all the good," said Kent.

But, she can't help but remember the tragedy police say happened to her 26-year old son Brandon Gentry on Aug. 11, 2013.

Kent said Gentry frequented the so-called Pickettville Mudhole area on weekends.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office believes Gentry was killed in a hit-and-run on Pickettville Road. He lived for three days and died on Aug. 14.

"Brandon was a very adventurous kid. The world was his playground, but he was most known for his crystal blue eyes and his big smile," said Kent.

Kent said his two little girls, ages 4 and 18 months, will have to remember his smile through old pictures.

"The 4-year-old still questions where is daddy and it's hurtful. We're just fighting for justice for them. They deserve justice and they have to go through life without him. Nobody can walk them down the aisle or see them off to prom, or teach them how to drive," said Kent.

Kent said some of her family members have given up hope of finding who killed Gentry, but she refuses to stop searching.

"I believe there's going to be answers, but it may take time and I'm willing to wait it through as long as we have answers in the end," said Kent.

Kent said she's holding a poker run at noon Aug. 23 at Pecan Park to raise money for a reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. If you know any information about this case, you're asked to call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.