Clay County, FL (June 12, 2026) – A 14-year-old boy from Lake Asbury died late Thursday night, June 11, after a multi-vehicle accident on Sandridge Rd west of Verbena Pkwy in Clay County. The crash was reported just after 11 p.m.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the teen was stopped on a motorized e-bike in a westbound travel lane on an unlit stretch of Sandridge Rd.
A 16-year-old driver from Green Cove Springs, traveling westbound, did not see the stopped scooter and could not slow in time, and the front right of his sedan struck the e-bike. A 17-year-old girl from Green Cove Springs, also heading westbound in an SUV, then hit the rear of the sedan following that first collision. The two teen drivers were not hurt.
The 14-year-old was thrown from the scooter and died from his injuries. The wreck remains under investigation as troopers continue to gather details. We extend our deepest condolences to the boy’s family and all who loved him.
What Are the Risks of Riding E-Bikes and Scooters on Unlit Roads at Night?
Riding any two-wheeled vehicle on a dark, unlit road at night carries serious risks, particularly when the vehicle lacks proper lighting. Drivers in oncoming or approaching traffic may have only a fraction of a second to spot an unlit rider, leaving almost no time to brake or steer clear. Florida law requires bicycles and similar vehicles operated at night to have a front white light and a rear red reflector at minimum.
Helmets are also a key factor in whether a rider survives a crash. Studies consistently show that head injuries are the leading cause of death in scooter and bicycle fatalities, and helmet use significantly reduces that risk. Florida does not require helmet use for riders over 16 who carry a specific insurance policy, but for younger riders, a helmet is legally required and can make a life-or-death difference.
