‘She was just a ray of sunshine:’ Family, friends remember mother killed in crash on I-295

Jacksonville, FL. — A Jacksonville mother was hit and killed on Interstate 295 Monday while standing near her disabled car.

Family confirmed Ashley Marie Armstrong, 28, was killed in the crash.

She leaves behind a 6-year-old girl.

The crash happened Monday morning on the on-ramp from Town Center Parkway to I-295 South.

Linda Armstrong said she was on the phone with her daughter right before she was killed.

“She was crying because she messed up her car and she was so upset,” Armstrong said. “I kept telling her, ‘it’s going to be OK. It’s just a car.’”

She said the phone suddenly went silent.

Later that morning, Armstrong said she drove the route looking for her daughter.

When she got home, she said a Florida Highway Patrol trooper was waiting there to tell her the tragic news.

“I knew it wasn’t good,” Armstrong said. “He didn’t even have to say the words.”

Family and friends are remembering Ashley Armstrong as a devoted mother and a caring person.

Nikeya Heath said she had been close friends with Ashley Armstrong for nearly a decade.

“Wonderful mom, just an amazing person overall,” Heath said. “She was just a ray of sunshine.” If you feel inclined to help the family, click here.

Cox Media Group