ST JOHNS, Fla. — The Jacksonville and St. Johns County community is mourning the loss of Trenton Stewart, a Creekside High School alumni and Stetson Hatters football team member.
Stewart died in a car accident Tuesday, according to the university's athletics page.
"He was a very intelligent, driven, loving, caring, selfless person. He was a leader and absolutely everything that he did. All he wanted to do was make the world a better place," Trenton's dad Robert Stewart said.
The Florida Highway Patrol says Stewart was driving in a Chevrolet Trailblazer and traveling eastbound on the 13900 block of Old St. Augustine Road around 1 a.m. when he was involved in head-on collision with another vehicle.
The crash report says the driver of the other vehicle, Ariel Monteagudo, was going the wrong way when they collided with Stewart head-on, killing him.
The report says at the time of the crash, the investigating officer did not suspect that drugs, alcohol or impaired vision played a role for either party.
"We don't believe that he was able to see it till a split-second right before impact," Stewart said.
Stewart's family says he was out delivering food through DoorDash to earn extra cash.
"He's less than a mile and a half from home. He was a fantastic driver. This was not his fault," Stewart said.
Stewart had just finished his first year in college, enrolled as a cybersecurity major but, was also a student athlete.
"His goal with even cybersecurity is to protect people. He was a very special young man," Stewart said.
As a football player on the defensive line, Stewart was named to the Fall 2022 Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll. He planned to return to campus this summer to work out with the team.
The Stetson community has rallied their support and appreciation for Stewart, as the team's coach offered kind words in his memory.
"On behalf of the entire Stetson football family, today is truly a sad day," said Head Football Coach Brian Young. "We have lost a young man who exemplified what it means to be a Stetson Hatter. Our hearts go out to his teammates, family and the entire Stetson community. We have lost a brother, teammate and friend. He will always be a Hatter."
A scholarship fund has been created in Trenton's name. All proceeds will benefit local athletic programs. Link to donate.
Donations can be also be made at www.CS2SA.com or to P.O. Box 600821, Jacksonville, FL 32260.
Trenton's Funeral will be Monday at Hardage-Giddens on St. Johns Parkway.