Woman dies days after driver ran red light near Regency Square Mall

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville woman has died of her injuries after the Florida Highway Patrol said a driver ran a red light near the Regency Square Mall.

Tanya Dennis, 37, was turning left into Regency Square Mall on July 23 when her car was hit.

FHP said a man driving a Ford Explorer SUV was traveling west on the Arlington Expressway when he ran a red light and hit Dennis’ car.

State troopers said Dennis was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. She suffered brain trauma and fell into a coma before passing away on July 28.

Action News Jax spoke with the sister and best friend of Dennis. They said Dennis worked three jobs to support her family. One of those jobs was working in the youth center at Naval Station Mayport.

“She just loved working with children, being with children,” said sister Kimberly Martin.

ORIGINAL STORY: Woman critically hurt after driver ran red light on Arlington Expressway, JSO says

Family and friends say she was especially devoted to her grand-niece, a 4-year old girl named Willow.

They say Dennis worked hard to help raise the young girl and provide for her, with dreams that she could attend private school and get a great education.

“Willow was her heart,” said Martin. “I want to honor her wishes when it comes to Willow. As she used to say, ‘I’m Willow’s daddy’.”

Charges are pending for that driver, who had minor injuries in the crash. Action News Jax reached out to him for this story, but we have not heard back as of Wednesday night.

“Just by being careless, he took away something that nobody can ever replace,” said Martin.

If you'd like to donate, that page is here: https://www.gofundme.com/for-tanya-dennis-our-heart

Cox Media Group