Friends say Atlantic Coast High student killed in crash was always smiling

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE: Memorial, fund growing for Jacksonville teen killed in crash

Friends are remembering an Atlantic Coast High School teen killed in a Baymeadows Road crash.

Friends told Action News Jax that Derek George, 16, was killed in the single-car crash on RG Skinner Parkway near Baymeadows Road. They said he was leaving a game at Atlantic Coast High School, just a half-mile away.

Sandalwood senior tweeted about car safety hours before death

The friends said George was a sophomore at the school and was passionate about football.

The friends left a jersey at the crash site.

“I thought that I would lay it down for him, because he loved the sport so much, and he doesn’t get the opportunity to play anymore. So we will play next season for him,” said friend Bryce Baker.

The friends said George was always smiling.

Jacksonville police said George lost control and hit a tree.

Grief counselors are available Friday for students.

Two others in the car were hurt. They were taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

Action News Jax is following the story. Watch Action News Jax and follow us on Twitter @ActionNewsJax for the latest. 

Another teenager died Thursday afternoon on Jacksonville's Southside. Denny Grahovic, 18, died after the multiple-car crash on St. Johns Bluff Road and Beach Boulevard.

A 16-year-old girl passenger in Grahovic's car is at the hospital in life-threatening condition.

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Cox Media Group