Sebastian River High School Sophomore Jake Beecher, 15, died suddenly Sunday, October 4th, after being involved in an ATV accident in Vero Lake Estates.
Since the tragic accident, which involved four other teenagers, the Sebastian community has come together like they always do in times of tragedy.
Jake’s cousin, Madison Beecher, created a GoFundMe account to help the young man’s family with memorial and funeral expenses.
“My cousin Jake Beecher died suddenly in an ATV accident on October 4th at the age of 15. Jake was taken from this world too soon and we are all devastated. Jake was a bright, young kid who loved football and aspired to be a pilot one day,” Madison Beecher said.
Jake’s raised by a single father after losing his mother to cancer in 2015. Donations will help with any funeral, memorial, and burial services that are needed.
The GoFundMe account has raised $10,272 of the $10,000 goal in only 14 hours by 204 people as of Monday morning. The goal has since been increased to $15,000.
The SRHS Touchdown Club published post on Facebook.
“Shark Nation we are devastated and in shock at the tragic loss of one of our brothers Jake Beecher. Jake was an amazing person with a big heart. His presence and joy will be missed greatly. Please pray for his family, friends, and his football brothers. Rest easy Jake…. you will not be forgotten. Please consider donating Jake’s family has recently lost his Grandfather & could use our help.”
Sebastian River High School, defensive line coach, Christopher Jefferson took to his Facebook to share his pain and condolences.
“Sometimes, in life, we find ourselves wanting to ask questions to our God. However, we know that he is in control, and he doesn’t make mistakes. However, it stings and sucks when he takes love ones and friends. From August 5th to October 4th, I have now lost 4 individuals that I was connected to in one way or another. Mom, uncle, mentor, and now a football son. Yes, he wasn’t blood family, but he was my family,” Christopher Jefferson posted on his Facebook Page.
“He was apart of my defensive line. He makes the second defensive lineman to die tragically in 2 years and the 3rd SRHS football player to die tragically in 3 years. Please pray for the Beecher family and the SRHS FOOTBALL PLAYERS. Jake, I love you, and I will miss you. RIP…I GOT YOUR 6,” Jefferson added.
Photos taken from the SRHS Touchdown Club Facebook page.