Jacksonville police are piecing together the details of a deadly crash that left 21‑year‑old Drew Stephens dead and several others badly hurt this past Sunday night on the 8400 block of Fort Caroline Road. The collision involved a side‑by‑side utility vehicle and a Ford Escape around 9:30 p.m., according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports.
Investigators say the Ford Escape was heading west when the utility vehicle slammed into its rear. That impact was so strong it flipped the utility vehicle over. All six people inside were thrown out of the machine. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after shocked motorists called it in. Paramedics transported all six occupants to a local hospital with serious injuries. Stephens was later pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the emergency room. Another person is still fighting for life, and the others are recovering from injuries that range from moderate to severe.
Neighbors who heard the crash described a loud bang like thunder and then the sight of flashing lights and frantic first responders working in the dark. Fort Caroline Road was partially closed for hours as detectives and crash investigators combed the scene, taking measurements, photos, and talking to witnesses who stopped after the accident.
Police would not immediately say whether speed or alcohol played a role, but they confirmed the investigation is far from over. Officers are examining the conditions of both vehicles, the road surface, and any possible mechanical failures. Several witnesses have already spoken to detectives, and patrol supervisors say they’re urging anyone who saw the crash to reach out with information that might fill in the unclear parts of what happened.
Friends and classmates remember Stephens as someone full of energy who loved the outdoors and had big plans for the future. Heartfelt posts on social media from family and friends describe a kind young man taken too soon, leaving a close‑knit community struggling with shock and grief.
Sheriff’s officials say crashes like this one are reminders of how quickly life can change on busy city streets. They reiterated a call for careful driving and attention to surroundings, especially at night when visibility is lower and unexpected hazards can appear.
The investigation into the crash remains open as authorities work to put together a complete picture of what led to that tragic collision on Fort Caroline Road. More updates are expected as the Sheriff’s Office releases additional findings.
