JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Saturday, a Jacksonville family celebrated the life of their loved one who died after a hit-and-run in July.
Drew Kohn leaves behind an incredible legacy that we here at First Coast News have been following for years.
Kohn died just days before his 30th birthday in what police are now calling a hit-and-run crash in Jacksonville.
The crash happened seven years after a motorcycle accident almost took Kohn's life, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury.
“Courageous, brave and never gave up,” said Yolanda Osborne-Kohn, as she described her son, Drew. "And that’s not based on the accident, it’s not based on his challenges but how he viewed life and how he loved living."
It was 2017 when the rising football star was in a motorcycle accident, leaving him in a coma. He woke up, but doctors expected him to be a paraplegic.
That didn't stop him. He spent years learning how to walk and talk. Kohn's spirit of determination inspired others at Brooks Rehabilitation Center, according to staff who spoke at his funeral.
“I would watch Drew present to these people who had brain injuries, who had little hope and I would stand back in awe of what he could do," said Brooks Rehab staff. “He was truly a miracle. He changed other lives every day, he gave others hope, he helped them dream, he pushed them to believe and he changed hearts."
Seven years after overcoming these odds, on July 26, 2024, he was hit and killed while walking in Jacksonville.
But instead of focusing on Kohn's death, dozens came out to celebrate his life and his legacy. His family said through faith, he prevailed.
“For our brother, forever memories we’ll have, for our brother, love and kindness will not perish or pass," Drew's sister said.
Over 100 people packed a church, including old teammates, fellow church members and even people from out of state who traveled to pay their respects to a young man who taught those around him this message.
"Never give up, Don’t quit, don’t quit," said Osborne-Kohn.