JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Friends said a 20-year-old college student was killed in a head-on collision in Riverside Sunday.
The intersection of Roosevelt and Old Roosevelt boulevards was shut down as detectives investigated the crash.
Friends said Laura Erdelyi was a student at the University of North Florida. She was driving a Honda Civic when it was hit by an SUV before noon, authorities said.
Witnesses said they heard a loud crash before they saw a car flip and hit a cement pole.
“Stuff flying, it sounded like a bang, bang. You saw stuff flying everywhere and it happened so fast,” said Roy Graham, who witnessed the crash.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Lt. Evander Coolier IV said it appeared the driver of the red SUV failed to yield for the black Honda Civic, which had the right away on Roosevelt Boulevard.
“As he was turning left he pretty much collided head-on with the black Honda Civic," said Coolier.
Officials said the driver of the SUV, who has yet to be identified, was taken to UF Health Jacksonville with serious injuries.
Erdelyi's friends said their hearts ache knowing the community lost a beautiful person.
"She was on a path to do something special. This loss is beyond words," said Erdelyi's friend Arthur Ekrem.
One of Erdelyi's friends who stopped by the scene said they spoke with her an hour before the accident.
Erdelyi's friend Kristen Howe described her friend in a statement:
<span style="font-family:">"I could go on and on about Laura. She was the type of person who lit up every room with her beautiful smile and vibrant personality. Anyone who came in contact with her would say she was the most genuine and kind person they have ever met and that she was the epitome of a selfless, woman of God. She is so loved by her friends and family and will be dearly missed. I know I'll think of her any time I listen to Frank Sinatra, he was her favorite."</span>