Teen killed while jogging on A1A had dreams of joining the military

The 16-year-old hit and killed while jogging on A1A had dreams of serving the military, his wrestling coach said.

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Troopers said Zander Laurin was running in the bike lane along A1A when a driver drifted for unknown reasons, hitting the teen.

He was airlifted to a hospital, where he died.

Zander was a sophomore at Ponte Vedra High School. He was a petty officer in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Josean Gonzalez, the teen's wrestling coach, said he had an amazing spirit and ambitious work ethic.
"With a kid like him, he was so loved by everyone," Gonzalez said.

He said the teen was passionate about joining the military.

“He wanted to serve this country. He was very proud to be an American,” Gonzalez said.

The teen was an organ donor, which Gonzalez said speaks to his character.

“This is why I love this kid. I mean, that’s what he would’ve wanted to do. Even though he’s not with us anymore, he’s still going to live on in somebody else. He would’ve wanted to give the gift of life to somebody,” Gonzalez said.

The driver of the pickup truck was identified as 53-year-old Keith Jones. Troopers said he’s cooperating with the investigation and charges are pending.

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