JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — At least one person is dead after a pickup truck drove into a retention pond on the afternoon of Mother’s Day Sunday.
A large crowd of stunned and concerned onlookers gathered nearby where it happened on Lane Avenue South, near the Lakeside subdivision, to figure out what had happened.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the person behind the wheel drove out of the apartments, straight over a sidewalk—without making a turn—before crashing through a fence and plunging into the water.
“The vehicle submerged, and nobody came out of the vehicle,” JSO said.
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Residents of Jacksonville’s Westside rushed to the scene, hoping and praying the victim wasn’t someone they knew. Many stood for hours as authorities worked to remove the vehicle and recover a body from the water.
Among the crowd was Keyona Dudley, who expressed disbelief at the timing of the tragedy.
“On Mother’s Day. I hope it was not a mother in that car,” she said.
Patrice Davis echoed the sentiment. “That’s very sad news to hear. Hopefully, it’s not anyone that we know around the area because it’s gonna be more tragic news.”
As the black pickup was finally towed from the water, its passenger side visibly crushed, Dudley added, “Now we’re just picking up bodies. I’m just waiting to see the truck come out.”
People said someone initially jumped into the water to try and help, but police intervened.
By late afternoon, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office dive team was still on scene. Residents remained nearby, looking for answers.
“We all got questions but no answers yet,” said Davis.
As of Sunday evening, investigators had not released the identity of the victim or the cause of the crash. Action News Jax continues to follow the story for updates.
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