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15-Year Old Driver Killed In Ensley Crash
March 24, 2015
A 15-year old driver was killed in a single vehicle crash Monday morning in Ensley.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Justin B. Taylor of Pensacola was northbound on Untreiner Avenue in a 1997 Dodge Dakota about 8:35 a.m. when he lost control, ran off the roadway and struck a concrete utility pole. The pickup overturned, ejecting Taylor.
Taylor was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was pronounced deceased about 9:30 a.m.
Taylor was a sophomore at Tate High School. Grief counselors will be on hand at the school Tuesday for students that wish to speak to them.
There were no passengers in the vehicle.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Price, click to enlarge.
Comments
68 Responses to “15-Year Old Driver Killed In Ensley Crash”
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, brother, friend. My heart is broken for all of you! I’m praying for you all.
I am flabbergasted at so many of you passing judgement. This is NOT the time.You don’t even know the real story. But would anything have changed had he been 16? No. Only that he had a license. This kind of accident could happen to your kid, my kid or any one of us. My son was very good friends with Justin and there was a reason he was driving. First his father is deceased. Second, his mother was out of the country nursing her dying brother. Justin was a good kid who needed to get to school. Try having a little compassion. This family has had one tragedy after another. Now a mother has lost her son. My prayers are with the family and loved ones. God, please give the family strength and may Justin rest in peace in your heavenly kingdom.
I had the pleasure of teaching Justin last year at Tate. He was a kind soul, quick to learn and never uttered an I’ll thought about anyone. He will always be remembered with honor. Justin – Get some!
i can not imagine lost of a child would feel like i am a fathsr of three i will pray to all mighty God to help your family and hope people will do the same
DO NOT JUDGE!!….. Did you stop to think that it may have been his time to go?
His mission in this life was complete he was sweet you know.
They say the Good dies young, even if we love them so.
Don’t feel sad, he is with his dad. Till we meet again someday,
May his wonderful family be comforted we pray…….
Love them to…….
I personally knew Justin. I go to Tate and go to school with him. He had no option but to drive to school because he had no other way. So I ask kindly to the all of you that are digging Justin himself or his family to please quit. Taylor family please know there are people that care. You have my condulances and will be praying for the family.gob bless
To the ones passing judgement and the one mentioning they should not be driving at night, it happened on a Monday morning around 8:30 which would tell me he was probably headed to school. People are sometimes forced into having to do things like drive when there are no other options and being this young man appeared to be a good kid he was probably a good student which would mean school is important to him. Nevertheless, we do not know the situation nor the facts as to why he was driving but I am sure 90% of the people judging have made choices in their life or were forced to do something they should not because of circumstances. The fact we do know if a Mother you already lost the boys father has now lost her son and is in grave pain. The family lost a loved one that was just really starting his life and do not need people judging him. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young man, especially his Mother. I never got to lay eyes on my son before he died and I know that pain. I can not imagine 15 years of memories,conversations and I love yous gone in an instant.
To the Taylor Family, my prayers and thoughts are with you
From The Bousquet Family,
I have known this family for over 25 years; and there are A LOT of details the public is not privy to. This is a GREAT family; they need our prayers and support. MUCH LOVE to the Taylor family from a longtime dear friend!
I did not know this kid but I go to the same school as he did. It’s sad to hear about this. Even though I don’t have children of my own due to my age, I still know what it is like to lose someone very near and dear to your heart. It sucks! I can only hope that his parents are able to get through this time of great mourning. This definitely jumps out at me because he is the same age as me. This family is in my prayers!! He will be missed by his own family, and his family at Tate High School!
His mother was out of town and his father is deceased for those who are casting judgment on the parents.
Taylor Family, My heart goes out to you at this time of loss. Losing a child is never easy, it is not right to have to bury our children, but it is not for us to question the wisdom of God. I pray that God will send his angels to wrap you in the comfort of his love and enfold you in their tender care until you are strong again. May you remember the footprints in the sand, and know that in those times when you feel you cannot go on, Jesus is there to fall back on, and he will carry you safely through. It is not our place to judge, it is our place to offer love and support and you have both from both myself and I am sure all at Tate High School feel the same way. Rest in Peace Sweet Angel. Sleep well tonight Mama, for he is now safe and cradled in the arms of God.
This is so sad. My prayers are for this family as they have to deal with the loss of this precious loved one. I grew up in Escambia County, but moved out of state when I was 19. I live in Texas now. Many of the comments questioned why a 15 year old would have a license. I know here in Texas a 15 year old can get a “hardship” license. That may not be an option in Florida. Regardless of why this young man was driving, it’s a sad reminder that we aren’t promised tomorrow. Life is precious. Make sure you tell your loved ones that you LOVE them every day. My heart aches for this mother.
I feel for his family and friends. Such a tragic loss of life. I hope his spirit lives on with his family and friends. My question is why was a 15 year old driving to begin with? Was a licensed driver with him? Although it can and will happen to any age driver, I just wonder if he was allowed to drive and if so, why. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace.
That is so horrible! ! I feel heartbreak for his family ! People/kids don’t understand one decision can have a heartbreaking impact. . I pray for his family.
Something comforting to consider:
Isaiah 57:1
The righteous perishes, and no man lays it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
May God comfort the hearts and minds of Justin’s family and friends.
I DO NOT KNOW HOW IT IS TO LOSE A CHILD but I know how it is to lose a wife as I did last THURSDAY on her way home from TATE school after subbing there. I sympathize with his parents in this sad situation hoping they can find comfort some way to heal from their tragic loss. I read some comments that were not so nice and virtually pointed fingers to the parents for enabling causing this tragedy to happen making me lean like some others here–back off and let the parents grieve without all the finger pointing. I hope he had his future covered in the blood of CHRIST for his assurance to be in heaven when the rapture takes place as my wife did.
I watched that kid grow! We went to church together and I know the family. He was a great kid. It’s sad to see something like this happen to him. He was really good friends with my sister! my condolences to his family!
This is so devastating …. praying for the family and friends of the young man .. I am so sorry for your loss .
This is so sad. Thoughts and prayers going up for this family.
Prayers to the family.
I have a friend whose 15 year old daughter missed the school bus and drove one of the cars to school rather than call her dad to tell him she missed it. She didn’t even have her permit yet. Another family member saw his car at school and called him. Yes, she made it to school without any problems but it could have been tragic just like this horrible accident. Kids do the craziest things and act so impulsively. We may never know, nor is it any of our business, what happened yesterday morning. What I do know is that it could be any of our children. Have empathy for the ones left to grieve. The loss could be yours one day.
How about instead of making rude comments about his age and why he was driving, we say prayers for this family as they go through this hard time. No one deserves to feel this loss or hurt.. I worked with this boys mom for a little while and she was always so sweet and always talked about her children.. My heart goes out to this sweet family during this hard time.
Prayers go out to the family, god bless them.
May God bless this family. I really didn’t know a child Can drive alone at the age 15. But I guess its different in every state.I thought u couldn’t get licence til u was 16. But nevertheless, a parents have lost there baby. I pray God help n heal u guys heart. Because this is a painful lost. God Bless.
sarA on March 23rd, 2015 7:35 pm
Why does it matter about his age, someone’s child is dead. Really let’s focus on that and not be high and mighty on our soap box! So sorry for your loss. So very sad.
Because a 15 year old DOES NOT need to be on the road alone,, and at night ? come on,, I am not judging the mother but Why would you allow this,, My kids did not get a car handed to them ,, they earned it and did nt get it till they were old enough to pay for it,, If I co-signed , 1 late payment and the keys were handed to me reguardless their age,, Thank God he did not kill anyone besides himself
Such a sad and horribly tragic event.
Am thankful there were no passengers involved.
Lord ease the loss for all.
Just want to make a few commits, my condolences to the family of the young boy who lost his life. I can say for myself when I was younger my driving habits were not exactly “Proper” hence the speeding tickets I received! I’m am very thankful now looking back I didn’t get me or someone else killed!!! Now you folks we can cast stones, name call, bleeding hearts, OR!!! OR!!! we can learn something from this tragedy, and I believe a lot of folks around P-cola need to learn something!!!
My heart and prayers go out to this family..It is bad to lose someone but to lose a child is devastating…not gonna bash anyone just kinda wondering why he was driving alone…I thought law required a adult to be present until the age of 16…
My prayers go out to the family and friends may God bring peace and comfort..
To all those that are critisizing the young man or the family HOW WOULD YOU FILL IF THAT WAS YOUR CHILD? PLEASE BE KIND
I have a 19 year old daughter in college. I worry about her every time she gets into her car. We have a standing rule that she calls/text me when she gets to her destination and when she’s leaving said destination to come home. I don’t know this family and I surely don’t judge them. I can only imagine what they are going through. My thoughts are with them. I’m SO sorry for your loss.
I never let mine drive alone until they were 17. Even then I had to know where they were going and when they would be coming back. I was still legally responsible for their actions. Not sure if those laws still apply today. Either way it’s sad to bury a 15 year old who likely wasn’t ready to be driving alone.
I am in complete shock and my heart aches for this amazing family. I have known this family for years and the the mother is such an amazing mom and person. Her raising her three boys by herself after they lost their dad at a young age, I just cannot believe another tragedy has struck this strong and loving family. Justin was a sweet, nice, respectable young boy, his mother and two older brothers did a good job raising him. My heart is truly broken for this inspiration family. You will be missed Justin.
Such a tragedy! Sending prayers for the family.
How tragic.
Prayers for the freinds and family of this young man.
My parents bought me a truck when I was 15. I never took it out without one of them being in the truck with me. I was told not to and respected that they knew what was near for me. They bought me the truck so I would have experience driving it before I was on the road by myself and that I would be comfortable driving it. Are they bad parents because of it? No. But had I been a reckless teen they probably would’ve never gotten my permit for me . There’s lines that were crossed between the child and the parents and I’m sure that the parents are wondering why this happened to their baby. They aren’t bad parents for buying their child a truck at 15. From what I’ve seen most of the bad drivers that cut me off in traffic or swerve in and out of traffic are adults who I guess believe they own the road. Please yall be considerate. This could have been anyone.
So tragic, so sad. Another child gone too soon because of a wrong decision. Prayers for his family, knowing they will grieve for the rest of their lives.
I am a parent of 5 four of which are grown. I can not imagine what his parents are going through. We should be praying for them not bashing their choices because I am sure they are beating them selves up way more than anyone on here. Just remember no one is perfect and we have all made mistakes. They have just lost their child please pray for the family.
To “Parent” that commented above…..How dare you criticize his family in a time like this. This is a tragic accident that no one could have predicted at all. This woman just lost her youngest son, they need love and support right now…..and there was no “other parent” for this boy to go to, they’ve had enough loss in this family.
Justin was one of the sweetest little boys I knew, so kind and respectful. I know that the entire community will be missing this young man.
Our lord wrap your arms around this entire family and give them the strength to overcome this terrible tragedy. Let them know that jesus has another angel beside him and they will see him again. My heart just broke when I heard of this………….I pray every comment will be of understanding and heart felt.
Absolutely tragic. Heart wrenching. We love you Taylor family; our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you.
Let’s think about the family that was left behind and not about why he was behind the wheel or why parents buy their 15 year old children cars. If you knew all of the details you would know that this situation was not the stereotypes you are speaking of. Stop criticizing and have a heart. This is a child and an amazing one at that who lost his life. I’ve known the taylors for years. Those of you that are just reading this as a sad story keep your negative opinions to yourself and let them try to find peace.
Prayers to this beautiful family. We love you Taylor family!!!!
So sorry to hear this sad news. Please use your seat belts.
@ river–from the looks of the wreckage it would not have made much difference. Sorry for the family and friends.
Let’s focus on what’s important here someone’s child is dead, think about that and get off your soap boxes and not criticize the situation. This poor family needs our prayers not our opinions!!! So sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you.
This is so sad I have a 19 year old.I still worry about him on the road.My prayers go out to the family.
Why does it matter about his age, someone’s child is dead. Really let’s focus on that and not be high and mighty on our soap box! So sorry for your loss. So very sad.
The public are not allowed to have brick mail boxes for this reason but just to save long term monies the state elected to use concrete poles in lieu of wood? My prayers to the family.
Very sad and preventable.
All of us that work the Cantonment area are mourning the loss of a Tate student. May God provide understanding a mercy to the parents of all the young drivers.
What a tragic accident. I have known this family my entire life. I pray for his two older brothers Nathan and Spencer that they may find peace.
There are many parents that buy their children cars and trucks at age 15. The parents should not let the children drive with out them. There are good parents that will not let their children do this. The child goes to the other parent and they do what they want.
A whole community of people will mourn. Poor baby!
My thoughts and prayers are with this family. God bless you all.
I pray that God will send his helpers to comfort this family. You are in my prayers.
How about we offer up some prayers for this poor child’s family and friends before we start criticizing why he was behind the wheel! This is some mother’s baby!!! This was a son, a grandson, someone’s best friend, cousin, nephew, etc… how about we ask for peace and comfort for all of his friends at Tate that are now dealing with death in a very real and personal way, some of them for the first time? Let them grieve now… there will be plenty of time for others to judge them (and they will) later.
Well said @J. Larry. Let’s have a little class and allow his family and friends time to mourn before we start talking trash. No one knows what the situation was.
This is so sad so many young kids getting killed on such a regular basis.
Truly sad!! But you’d be shocked @ the number of parent’s that actually buy their 15 yr old children vehicle’s and know they are out driving around in them til the next day!!
My heart goes out to his family…. Poor thing!! Very sad. Fly high little one!
There is a reason one is not supposed to drive until they are 16.I never even let my kids get a permit until they were 16.Of course they hated me for that..but I knew at 16 they were not even ready for a full license . Prayers for this family..
A kid lost their life. Let’s allow the family a little time to mourn before we start picking apart the situation. I’m sure their will be plenty of time for that after the parents have at least buried their child.
So sad, I have a 16 yr old driver i worry until he pulls up in the driveway. Praying for this family.
An awful tragedy that such a young life is snuffed out. My heart goes out to the loved ones of this young man.
Lord have mercy…..precious baby.
Why would a 15 year old be driving ????
One word: SAD!