Riverside High shows solidarity during Ed White’s first home game since the student-athlete’s death in a car accident

JACKSONVILLE, FL. – Before the football game began Friday night, Ed White High School honored the fallen athlete who she died two days after she was involved in a road accident.

It was the first home game since senior and multi-sport athlete Alaysha Williams was hit by a white car while crossing Blanding Blvd. near the intersection with Confederate Point Road.

The 17-year-old was seriously injured and died in hospital on October 2.

Ed White played against Riverside on Friday night. During halftime, the Riverside team presented Ed White with a sympathy card signed by students and faculty and a gift basket as a show of support for the grieving high school.

The Williams family did not attend the game but stated they planned to attend the girls’ first home basketball game in a few weeks.

Seniors attending the game wore red on Senior Night to remember Williams. Caleb, who had been her best friend since ninth grade, said Williams was known for her red hair.

“What I appreciated most about Alaysha was that she always smiled whenever I saw her. If she had any problems at home, she never showed it at school,” Caleb said.

Caleb said he had a hard time coping with her sudden death.

“You can’t teach people how to grieve,” Caleb said. “But I realize I’m not asking myself, ‘Why did it have to be Alaysha?’ I began to ask myself what the purpose of her passion was. I learned that we are on borrowed time and we need to move on with our lives without regrets. I need to stop regretting and start living.”

Ed White’s assistant principal, Kelisha Simpson, called her an “amazing student.”

“We really loved her and we’re just happy that we could come together and honor her,” Simpson said. “We continue to pray for everyone here, we continue to pray for the family because we know they cannot be replaced, but we are grateful that we were able to experience them.”

Alexis Williams, Alaysha’s sister, said her family is doing everything they can to recover.

“Just keep pushing yourself, get up every day and do what you need to do. Many prayers work and help along the way. Just seeing our family every day lifts our spirits,” Williams said.

She also thanked the community for their continued support.

“You couldn’t stop seeing Ed White and the alumni who were constantly doing things on her behalf. We’re very happy about it,” Williams said.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has not provided any updates on arrests in the Williams case.