High school band member, assistant mother killed in crash, police say

TALAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray News) – A high school band member and his mother are being remembered after police said the two died in a car crash Monday morning.

The teen was identified by the Rickards High School Raiders athletic department as Gavin Witmer. He and his mother were killed in an accident shortly before 9 a.m

Police said the crash occurred after a pickup truck was traveling east on East Tennessee Street before losing control and going over the median. The truck then struck a sedan occupied by Witmer, his mother and his sibling, police said.

According to the police, Witmer’s mother died on the spot. Witmer and his sibling were taken to a local hospital, where police said Witmer unfortunately died from his injuries.

The Rickards Raiders athletic department announced Tuesday that they are deeply saddened by the passing of Witmer and his mother, who was also a Band Booster mother.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Witmer family and friends during this difficult time of mourning,” the school’s athletic department wrote on social media. “One Nation Raider Nation!”

Leon County Schools took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday to post a statement sharing their condolences.

“Our hearts are heavy this week as we think of the Witmer family,” the statement said. “We will support the Rickards students and staff through this tragedy.”

Images were shared at Rickards High School, with condolences sent to the family on behalf of the school community.

Florida A&M University’s Marching “100” band also took to social media with a statement.

“On behalf of the Incomparable Marching ‘100’ family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Gavin Witmer and his mother, who was also a Band Booster Mom,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Witmer family, friends and the entire Rickards High School band family during this difficult time of mourning.”

Late Tuesday morning, the Florida State University Marching Chiefs also released a statement.

According to Tallahassee police, the crash is under investigation.