JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Before football halftime began Friday night, Ed White High School honored the memory of a deceased athlete. Died two days after being involved in a hit-and-run crash.

This was senior and multi-sport athlete Alaysha Williams’ first home game since being struck by a white car while crossing Blanding Boulevard. Near the intersection with Confederation Point Road.

The 17-year-old boy was seriously injured and died in hospital on October 2.

Ed White played Friday night against Riverside. At halftime, Riverside presented Ed White with a sympathy card signed by students and faculty and a gift basket to show support for the grieving high school.

Williams’ family did not attend the game, but said they plan to come to the girls’ first home basketball game in a few weeks.

The seniors in the game wore red on Senior Night to commemorate Williams. Caleb, his best friend since 9th grade, said Williams was known for his red hair.

“The thing I appreciated most about Alaysha was her smile whenever I saw her. He never showed the problems he had at home at school,” Caleb said.

Caleb said it was difficult to cope with her sudden death.

“You can’t teach people how to grieve,” Caleb said. “But I realized I was asking myself, ‘Why did it have to be Alaysha?’ I don’t ask. I started asking myself what the purpose was behind this passion. I learned that we are on borrowed time and must live without regrets. “I need to stop regretting and start living.”

Ed White’s Assistant Principal Kelisha Simpson called him a “great student.”

“We really loved him and we’re glad we were able to come together and celebrate him,” Simpson said. “We’re still praying for everyone here, we’re praying for his family because we know he can’t be replaced, but we’re grateful that we were able to experience him.”

Alaysha’s sister, Alexis Williams, said her family is doing their best to recover.

“Just keep pushing, get up every day, do what needs to be done. Many prayers work and help along the way. “Just getting together with our family every day brings us joy,” Williams said.

He also thanked the community for their continued support.

“Ed White and alumni never stopped coming together and constantly doing things in his name. So we’re really happy with that,” Williams said.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has not provided any updates on arrests in Williams’ case.