Late Monday evening, police said two vehicles were involved in a violent crash on the 1100 block of Third Street North in Jacksonville Beach. They said speeding was a factor but they are still working to find what led up to the crash and who could have caused it. They said they have not determined if any charges will be filed.
The driver of a red car, 21-year-old Joseph Michel Girardot, died after the crash. His father told Action News Jax he was on his was home from work at the Winn-Dixie in Ponte Vedra.
His father wanted the public to know he had a great, hardworking son who was putting himself through college to become a mechanical engineer. He said they are devastated by his loss and hope police can find answers soon.
The other driver, who was in a white truck, was hurt in the crash and treated in the hospital. Police said he is expected to survive.
joseph-michael-girardot-1 A local father tells Action News Jax his son, Joseph Michael Girardot, who was killed in a crash in Jacksonville Beach was a kind, responsible person who was on the right path in life. (Girardot family)
joseph-michael-girardot-9 Joseph Michael Girardot, 21, (center) was killed while coming home from work Monday night. (Girardot family)
joseph-michael-girardot-3 He was driving in a red car that got into a crash with a truck on 3rd Street North at 11th Street North. (Girardot family)
joseph-michael-girardot-5 His family wants justice for their son. (Girardot family)
joseph-michael-girardot-7 Girardot's father said his son was working to pay for school (Girardot family)
joseph-michael-girardot-6 His family says they've lived in Jacksonville Beach for years and now they say they have to be reminded of how their son died when they drive down 3rd Street North. (Girardot family)
joseph-michael-girardot-2 "I want people to know what a fine young man that was my son ... and that he be remembered that way," Girardot's father said. (Girardot family)
joseph-michael-girardot-4 Girardot's dad said he was working at Winn-Dixie to put himself through school at FSCJ. He wanted to be a mechanical engineer. (Girardot family)
joseph-michael-girardot-8 Police believe speed played a factor, but Girardot's family wants justice. (Girardot family)