St. Johns County teen killed when SUV crashed into water was trying to catch school bus

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — UPDATE 1/23/2020: The autopsy report confirmed Cole Kelley’s cause of death as an accidental drowning which occurred after an SUV overturned into a body of water (small creek).

ORIGINAL STORY:

Cole Kelley, 14, of St. Johns County died Wednesday morning when his SUV crashed into the Intracoastal Waterway.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said he was not doing anything illegal. Chuck Mulligan, with the SJSO, told Action News Jax Cole was driving the SUV to get to his school bus stop. He said Cole knew how to drive and drove to his bus stop every day on the private road because where he lived was far from the bus stop.

Action News Jax has learned that Cole was a student at Ponte Vedra High School. The school released the following statement to the school’s students and families:

It is with deep regret and sadness that we inform you of the passing of Cole Anthony Kelley yesterday morning, a freshman here at Ponte Vedra High School. Our hearts and thoughts are with the Kelley family at this most difficult time. We are prepared to assist any in our school community with resources, counseling and support through our district. We have additional resources for parents on our Website under the guidance tab. Cole was described by one of his teachers as a kind, caring and respectful young man. He will truly be missed. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Kelley family and all who have come to know Cole.

—  Ponte Vedra High School administration

The SUV was designated as an agricultural vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Sky Action News Jax flew over the area as crews tried to remove the partially submerged SUV from the water near San Pablo Road South Wednesday.

Initially, the SUV was about 10 feet underwater, officials said.

Investigators said they are still working to learn what caused Cole to crash.

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