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Mother, wife remember Navy sailor killed due to DUI crash

Two days ago, the funeral for 24-year-old Navy Aviation Mechanic Kody Kinkton was held. His mother Laura and his wife Morgan shared memories of the Orange Park native.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A mother and a widow are sharing their memories of Navy Aviation Mechanic Kody Kinkton.

Kody Kinkton was leaving NAS Jax on his motorcycle when troopers say a drunk driver hit him on Feb. 26 on US-17 near Collins Road.  

A week later, he died from his injuries.

The Superman S is symbolic to Kody Kinkton's family, friends and fellow sailors in the Navy.

"Somebody's bad choices changed the events of our lives, my life and Morgan's life won't ever be the same," Laura Kinkton, missing her beloved son.

Laura Kinkton says Kody got the nickname “Superman” from his six years of U.S. Navy service.

"At his work when anything needed to be done, Kody was the go-to guy," she recalled.

A smart, witty guy, who loved the little things in life: his dogs, his motorcycle, his children and his wife.

"He really was the all-American boy, married his high school sweetheart," his mother said.

Kody spent the last six months here at home with his two young children who will now grow up without their father.

His wife, Morgan Kinkton, treasures the time they had together and vows to keep his memory alive.

"I think that'll hold a place in my heart knowing he said he was falling in love all over again 10 years later," she said.

Kody Kinkton's funeral was held on Saturday.

Sunday was his son's fourth birthday party.

Hundreds showed up to show their support for a home-town hero, support appreciated by Kinkton's family.

"Everyone keeps telling me…how are you doing this?" Morgan said. "You're Superwoman and had your Superman. I'm only holding it together because I feel the love from the community."

"I think we'll be okay, we have to be because he wouldn't want it any other way," she said.

A silent auction benefitting Kinkton’s family will be held at Big Dawgs’ Sports Restaurant in Orange Park Sunday, April 14.

Donations to Kinkton’s GoFundMe page can be made here.

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