Mitchell, Mary, and Everett Patch | Source: GoFundMe
A Duval County educator and his 1-year-old son died after being struck by a car while crossing Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville, Florida. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Officer Max Morel identified the victims as Mitchell Patch and his son, Everett. Patch was a math teacher at Bayview Elementary School.
Duval County Public Schools confirmed Patch’s identity to News4JAX on Monday, May 19. He was part of a gathering at Wicked Barley Brewing Company before the incident occurred.
Kelly York, the principal of Bayview Elementary, informed school families about the loss in a message sent on Saturday. “We will all certainly remember Mr. Patch for his incredible commitment to students and to the teaching profession. He was a dedicated educator and well-loved and respected member of our Brave family,” York stated.
“Our sympathies go out to Mr. Patch’s family, friends, and our entire school community during this difficult time. I am deeply saddened, and I know the students, staff and family members who knew Mr. Patch will miss him tremendously,” concluded the message.
To support those affected, the school announced that trained counselors and social workers would be available on campus starting Monday.
Dylan Williams, a manager at Wicked Barley Brewing Company, shared with News4JAX that Patch had been part of a large party held at the venue that night.
“We were in the middle of a rush when it happened. Next thing you know, we just started seeing flashing lights. It started getting bigger. So we kind of figured something more intense happened,” Williams said. He also added, “We had a large group of family members mourning. It was very tragic.”
Authorities reported that the driver involved in the crash was taken to a local hospital and is cooperating with the investigation.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over pedestrian safety in the Baymeadows area. “If we could have our city look at maybe some kind of crosswalk or some kind of pedestrian lights for our area to help keep people safe. That’d be incredible,” Williams told News4JAX.
Councilman Joe Carlucci, who represents District 5, revealed that his office is addressing the issue with urgency. He stated that they have contacted traffic engineers and escalated the matter to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), pushing for a crosswalk to be considered.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, two crashes have occurred at the same location this year, including the fatal incident involving Patch and his son. The other crash was a hit-and-run in a business parking lot nearby. So far in 2025, Duval County has reported 62 traffic-related fatalities, 12 of which involved pedestrians.
In the wake of this tragedy, the local community has mobilized to offer support to Patch’s wife, Mary, and their family. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Burn Boot Camp Mandarin, where she works as a trainer, is raising funds to help cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other unexpected expenses.
The fundraising page describes the accident as an “unimaginable” loss and emphasizes Patch’s wife’s role as a “dedicated and hardworking member” of their team.
“As we come together to support Mary, we hope to relieve some of the financial pressures…” the fundraiser states. As of May 22, the campaign has raised $125,202 of its $130,000 goal, with contributions continuing to come in.
Friends and members of the community have continued to share their grief online. In a Facebook post, Giovanni Fletcher said it still doesn’t feel real without Mitchell Patch and Everett, adding that he is grateful for the many memories and good times they shared, and expressed his love for them both.
Travis Akers, another local resident, used his Facebook platform to call for change. On May 19, he posted a public call to action, urging city leaders and transportation authorities to install a pedestrian crosswalk on Baymeadows Road near Wicked Barley.
Akers penned, “This tragedy did not occur in a vacuum. Members of the community have repeatedly voiced concerns about pedestrian safety… Despite clear public demand and frequent foot traffic, safety measures remain absent.”
He further mentioned, “Let’s make sure Mitch and Everett didn’t die in vain. Let’s ensure no other family suffers this same heartbreak. Let’s build the crosswalk. Let’s save lives.”
The day after, on May 20, Akers shared a formal update from Councilman Carlucci’s office. In a public statement, Carlucci outlined the immediate steps being taken.
These include initiating communication with the city’s Traffic Engineering Director, contacting FDOT District 2, and requesting an official traffic study. He also noted the support of legislative figures such as Speaker Pro-Temp Wyman Duggan and Senator Clay Yarborough.
Carlucci said his top priority is to see meaningful safety improvements made to the roadway as soon as possible. He stressed the importance of adding a traffic signal, better lighting, road markings, and signage. He noted that vehicles speed through the area and that this must — and will — be addressed.
The tragic loss of Patch and his little son has deeply impacted the Jacksonville community, prompting an outpouring of support for their family and renewed calls for improved pedestrian safety along Baymeadows Road.
