Riverside High shows solidarity at Ed White’s first home game since the student-athlete died in an accident

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Before halftime Friday night football began, Ed White High School honored the memory of a fallen athlete who died two days after being involved in a collision.

It was the first home game since senior and multi-sport athlete Alaysha Williams was hit by a white car while crossing Blanding Blvd. near the intersection with Confederate Point Road.

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

Ed White played Friday night against Riverside. During 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 was not at the game, but said they had made plans to come to the first girls basketball home game in a few weeks.

The seniors at the game wore red on Senior Night to commemorate Williams. Caleb, who had been her best friend since 9th grade, said Williams was known for her red hair.

“What I appreciated most about Alaysha was that whenever I saw her, she was always smiling. If she had problems at home, she never showed it at school,” Caleb said.

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

“You can’t teach people to grieve,” Caleb said. “But what I realize is that I don’t ask myself, ‘Why did it have to be Alaysha?’ I started to wonder what the purpose behind her passion was. I have learned that we are on borrowed time and should move on with life without regrets. I need to stop regretting and start living.”

Ed White’s vice principal Kelisha Simpson considered her a “great student.”

“We really loved her, and we’re just happy that we can get together and celebrate her,” Simpson said. “We are still praying for everyone here, praying for the family because we know she cannot be replaced, but we are grateful that we were able to experience her.”

Alexis Williams, Alaysha’s sister, said her family is doing its best to heal.

“Just keep pushing, get up every day and do what needs to be done. Lots of prayer works and helps along the way. Gathering with family day in and day out keeps our spirits high,” Williams said.

She also thanked the community for its continued support.

“It’s gone from just Ed White and alumni coming together and doing something in her name all the time. So we’re very happy with that,” Williams said.

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