The Duval County community is reeling from the tragic loss of 35-year-old Mitchell Patch, a dedicated math teacher at Bayview Elementary School, and his 1-year-old son, Everett, who were fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing Baymeadows Road on Friday night.
The heartbreaking incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., leaving behind a devastated family, grieving school community, and renewed calls for pedestrian safety improvements.
According to Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), Patch was more than just a teacher—he was a passionate educator, mentor, and a deeply respected figure among students and staff. Bayview Elementary Principal Kelly York issued a message to families on Saturday acknowledging the profound impact of Mr. Patch’s passing.
“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 wrote.
“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.”
In response to the tragedy, specially trained counselors and social workers were made available on campus Monday to support grieving students and colleagues.
The fatal incident occurred near Wicked Barley Brewing Company, where Patch was attending a gathering with a large group of family and friends. Dylan Williams, the establishment’s manager, described the chaotic and emotional aftermath. “We were in the middle of a rush when it happened,” Williams told News4JAX. “We had a large group of family members mourning. It was very tragic.”
This devastating loss has sparked urgent conversations about pedestrian safety in the Baymeadows area. Williams called for immediate improvements, such as pedestrian crosswalks or traffic lights, to help prevent further tragedies.
“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,” he said.
City Councilman Joe Carlucci, who represents District 5, confirmed that his office has escalated the matter to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), stressing the community’s demand for safer crossing options. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, this is the second traffic-related incident in the same location this year, the first being a hit-and-run in a nearby parking lot.
JSO has reported that the driver involved in the accident was transported to a hospital and is cooperating fully with investigators.
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of Mitchell and Everett Patch, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Mary Patch, Mitchell’s wife and Everett’s mother. The fundraiser aims to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial relief during this unimaginable time.
“Mary is a dedicated and hardworking member of our team, and now, it’s our turn to show her how much we care and support her,” the GoFundMe reads. “Please consider donating, and share this page with others who may want to help. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.”
So far in 2025, Duval County has reported 62 traffic fatalities, 12 of which involved pedestrians. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved pedestrian infrastructure in high-traffic areas to protect families and prevent future loss of life.
Mitchell Patch will be remembered not only as an exceptional teacher and loving father but also as a kind-hearted and impactful figure who left a lasting legacy. His passing, along with young Everett’s, has left an unfillable void in the hearts of all who knew them.
