Tallahassee is mourning Rickard’s student who died in an accident Monday

• Rickards High School principal and band director remember Gavin Witmer as a standout student, musician and friend.
• Members of the FAMU and FSU band communities expressed their condolences to the family on social media.
• Watch the video to hear about his lasting impact:

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

The death of a student in Tallahassee is being felt in neighborhoods across our city.

Gavin Witmer and his mother died in an accident on Monday.

I spoke with school leaders on Monday who said he was a bright light within the Raider community.

“Gavin was truly exceptional, truly exceptional,” said Rickards Band director Emerson Young. “He’s one of our top leaders, but he was honest. He was one of those who said, ‘I’m going to do it with you. Whatever I ask of you, I’m going to do it with you and lead by example.’ ”

Young is among many in the city who mourned the loss of that young leader.

Gavin and his mother were killed in a crash on Tennessee Street on Monday while playing with his band in the Veteran’s Day Parade.

Director Douglas Cook reflected on the last conversation he had with Gavin.

He said he just talked to him last week about the senior’s bright future.

“I told Gavin, wherever you go, you will be successful and do great things,” Cook said.

Cook said it’s important to honor him and keep his legacy alive.

“17 years old. He had not yet reached his 18th birthday,” Cook said. “That’s crushing for all of us, but we have to remember Gavin and all the wonderful positive things he did. He shone a great light on us that we will never forget.”

Many in Tallahassee said they feel the same way.

FAMU chapter of band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi posted on Facebook and Instagram on Tuesdaywhich stated in part, “Gavin was nothing short of a hard worker and an excellent musician.”

Florida State band, the Marching Chiefs, also expressed their condolences on social media.

Young said Witmer’s mother, an active band volunteer, will also be missed.

“A very down-to-earth woman, very approachable, very supportive of Gavin,” Young said.

He said his band community will forever remember Gavin as the leader, musician and friend he was to all.

“Just an inspiring figure all around that the other students look up to,” Young said.

Young said the school is hosting a vigil at Rickards on Thursday for students, staff and parents.