JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A makeshift memorial is growing at the site of the crash that police said killed 13-year-old Garrett Schaub and caused another juvenile to be hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, both were in the backseat of a car that slammed into a large oak tree near Mandarin Road just after 4 a.m. Sunday. Police said the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it lost control, banking a right hand curve in the roadway.
Officers said the driver was hospitalized in serious condition, while the person in the passenger seat-- the only occupant wearing a seat belt-- will be OK. According to JSO, everyone inside the vehicle was a juvenile.
Family members describe Schaub as loving, fun and outgoing. The youngest of four boys, he was the baby of the family. His father said he had just graduated from Mandarin Middle School and would be starting his first year at Mandarin High School.
Resident Joy Lordahl walks her dog in the area daily and says the crash didn’t surprise her.
"Another one,” Lordahl said. “That was my reaction, another one, same spot, same area. The people are speeding constantly. We walk the dogs every day and I fear for our safety every time.”
Lordahl wants to see speed bumps and sidewalks added on Mandarin Road.
“Nothing seems to be stopping people and it's scary,” Lordahl said.
But others in the area say it comes down to the driver.
“It's safe,” said Gary Morrison. “All you have to do is abide by the speed limit and there's no problem at all.”
The Florida Highway Patrol said, prior to Sunday's crash, that stretch of Mandarin Road has had nine crashes since July 2013. None of those crashes involved a fatality.
Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the crash, JSO said. The front passenger was the only person wearing a seatbelt in the car, according to investigators.
WJAX
