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Family Says Goodbye To Young Hit And Run Victim, Grieves With Community; Suspect Booked Into Jail
April 10, 2020
A community received some heartbreaking news Thursday night as they held a candlelight prayer vigil for two juveniles critically injured in a hit and run earlier in the week.
Monday night, Ransom Middle School students 12-year old Hailey Locke and 13-year Rylee Simmons were walking west on Quintette Road approaching Carrington Lake Boulevard when they were struck by a Ford Escape driven by 58-year old Robert William Etheridge of Cantonment, according to the FHP.
Thursday night, Rylee’s parents told about 120 neighbors gathered outside their home that he will not survive; they have said their goodbyes and signed the paperwork to donate his organs.
And the community grieved together.
Rylee’s parents wanted NorthEscambia.com readers to know that “to know him was to love him and he was the kindest most soft hearted child who will be greatly missed”.
Hailey remains in the hospital, but she is improving with hopes of coming home this weekend.
About an hour before the candlelight vigil, Etheridge was booked in the Escambia County Jail for felony hit and run failing to stop or remain at a crash involving injury. He was released on a $30,000 bond.
The FHP said Etheridge immediately fled the scene of the crash and later contacted them to say he may have hit a deer in the area.
Comments
73 Responses to “Family Says Goodbye To Young Hit And Run Victim, Grieves With Community; Suspect Booked Into Jail”
Even though i didn’t know Rylee that well, I’m still so hurt that this happened. It’s been over a year and my heart still aches when i think about this tragedy. I’m so proud of Hailey for keeping her head up, and i pray and hope that we give Rylee the justice that he deserves. Justice for Rylee. ❤️
I knew Riley for 3 years before he moved and he was such an amazing person and friend, he could put a smile on anyone’s face I have so many great memories with him that ill never forget. I wish i had spent more time with him. This has taught me i need to cherish every moment with the people i care about because you don’t know what will happen. I miss you Riley and i know your in a better place. I hope your still smiling and having the best time.RIP we miss you❤!!!
I’ve known rylee since he went to athol. I remember him walking into the school in 2nd grade. Rylee was one of my bestfriends ever. We grew up with each other. He has and will impact my life forever. Looking back one month later I cry but then again rylee was the kind of dude who wouldn’t want us to cry over him. He’d want us to celebrate his life. Make fun of the funky videos he made, be in awe at some of the plays he made in video games, think about our best games back in basketball man rylee the baller had the biggest dreams in the world. He had no plans on failing. I know he’s skateboarding on the best half pipes and balling up with kobe. You hold a special place in my heart rylee and the only thing I regret from our relationship that went on for more than 7 years was not texting you as much as I should have. I texted you a few days before the accident and we had a great convo I wish I wouldve texted the next day also. I am so sorry. I love you man. Goodbye rylee
heard about this on youtube prayers are headed your way
Rylee was my brother’s (James) best friend.He was a good friend of mine to. I remember the first time I met him and he said this to me. ” Hi I’m Rylee and you must be James’s sister Savannah.” He then smiled at me. That smile I will never forget. I didn’t have any classes with him but I did see him in the halls. I always said hi to him which he replied hi back and smiled. Rylee was a sweet, smart, funny ,caring,out-going person. My brother has been going through a rough time and so had my best friend (Jillian). I know his family has as well as the community.
Rylee was my brother’s (James) best friend. He was a friend of mine as well. Rylee was a sweet,smart, kind, caring, generous, out-going person. I remember the first day I meet him he said “Hi I’m Rylee, you must be James’s sister Savannah.” Then smiled at me. I will never forgot that smile. Even though we did not have a class together I saw him in the halls. I would say hi to him. He would say hi back with that smile. I will never forgot him. His favorite color is red, I have painted my nails red in memory of him. My brother is going through a rough time right now and I know his family is too. My best friend (Jillian) is going through a rough time too. Our whole community is. Rylee will never ever be forgotten. I will always have him in my heart. That man who hit him should stay in jail for a long time. He killed my friend and injured that girl bad. I don’t know how you freaking think you hit a ding dang deer when a kid comes over your hood.
R.I.P RYLEE!!!❤ you’ll always will be in my heart!!
Rylee’s family this is for you. Your son was an amazing person and I am so thankful you brought him in my life, my Brother’s, and my best friend’s.He was to young to pass away. I know you are going through a lot but we are here for you. Rylee was a good friend and I miss him deeply life won’t be the same without him.
To the community, if you are driving please be safe. Obey the laws. Don’t ever drink and then drive, call someone to pick you up or call an Uber.
Love you Rylee!❤
I’m curious if charges will be amended to vehicular homicide or something similar? This is heinous, how can you leave after running over someone? Children at that!
my condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy, I know what it feels like to lose a child and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Prayers for the young lady, she has a long hard road ahead.
I was mutual friends with Rylee and am good friends with Hailey. I talked to Rylee hours before the incident, He was as energetic as ever he always made me laugh. He did nothing but enlighten hearts. Rylee you keep skateboarding up in heaven brother
I don’t know why the best people always go first. I have known Rylee sense 2nd grade and we have been friends since then. He is a truly amazing person that did not deserve to go so soon
.
Times like this we Realize we don’t have everyday. Rylee was the sweetest kid I’ve meet and Haile is the prettiest person ive ever meet!! They both are amazing and I feel horrible on what happened to both of them. I was up all night since the accident and still not able to sleep. I love you Haley and Rylee to much stay A1 guys. Rylee we all miss you hun and we will be praying.❤️Xoxo
Rylee was such a great person…He sat with me when I had no one to sit with at lunch. He helped me when I was sad. I knew him very well… His favorite color was red. And we both wanted to go to Italy when we were older. He loved Donald Trump. He preffered pancakes over waffles. He also was learning Italian with me and I will now finish learning Italian to honor his memory. And I promise rylee everybody will remember you. My friend James was also good friends with him and has had a hard time through his departure. I have worn red ever since the day he passed. I have also prayed for him. I miss him deeply and wish I could have said goodbye..
Rylee was and amazing kid I was his friend before he moved to Florida, I had a couple sleepovers with him he was and amazing kid never hurted anyone he was my best friend my biggest regret that I never said goodbye, I will miss you so so so much rylee I wish i could just say goodbye to you, why do good people haft to go.
My Heart Breaks for All the Family Members and Families in Christ That Were Affected by This Terrible Accident on These Precious Children. God Bless This Family and Our Prayers and Our Love Are with You and We Love You so Much.
My heart was deeply saddened when my son told me about this terrible tragedy. He rode Rylee’s bus to school. Prayers to the family during this most difficult time. God bless and strengthen you all is my prayer.
I don’t believe for minute that this guy thought he ran over a deer. He’s covering his butt and if they tasted for alcohol he’ll say it rattled humans he had a drink after the accident. He had to live with this. Lots if luck. He should not be out on bail. The judge is wrong as so many are.
Barb no Bond is in order.
I have known ryelee for such a long time. He always put a smile on everyones face and was one of my very good friends. Fly high meme lord we all will miss you xo~
I’m very sorry for these young children, and my heart and best wishes are with the families. That poor boy and his family. Rest In Peace and God be with his family now. God also be with the man who must live with the fact that he’s killed an innocent child and has been convicted and executed without a trial by his community, who know only what they’re hearing through the newspapers and each other. I hope his house isn’t burned down or the man shot by well meaning citizens before his day in COURT before a judge. I truly hope he has spiritual guidance so he lives to serve his just sentence to the full extent. The purpose of our penal system is punishment of crimes and rehabilitation. He could not have known children would be in the street during quarantine. They were to be at home, supervised. Their parents will receive justice! The children, and the parents are the ones deserving justice, not the community. The law doesn’t answer to outraged citizens making accusations. The bail was just in the situation. It’s based on danger to others and fear of flight
I know both Rylee and Hailey. They are both so sweet, kind and harmless. Rylee is in one of my classes and he is always making us laugh and it’s so heartbreaking knowing he won’t finish 8th grade, won’t walk across the stage to get his diploma, won’t get his first job, won’t meet the love of his life and get married. That night their lives hit the breaks and unfortunately Rylee’s won’t start again but Hailey has hope and I pray you will come out of this and live your life. Rylee, you will always be in my heart and I love both you and Hailey so much . I believe their is a new star in the sky for you, it’s shines right like your smile. I’ll always remember you and I’ll miss you so much.
I went to school with Rylee before he moved to Florida, and he was one of my best friends. He could always make me laugh and stayed of the bright side of things. The worst part was that I never got to say goodbye. Hope you’re in a better place and that the man responsible gets what he deserves. You will be greatly missed. Fly high my friend!
I know both Rylee and Hailey. They are both so kind, sweet and harmless. Rylee is in one of my classes and he is always making us laugh and it’s so heartbreaking knowing he won’t finish 8th grade, won’t walk across the stage to get his diploma, won’t get his first job or meet the love of his life and get married. That night their live hit the breaks and unfortunately Rylees won’t start again but Hailey has hope and I pray you will come out and live your life. Rylee, you will always be in my heart and I love both you and Hailey so much. I believe their is a new star in the sky for you, it’s shines bright like your smile. I’ll miss you.
This is such a horrible thing that happened. I went to school with Rylee for along time and I am so proud to call Rylee my friend and that whoever did this to him gets what they deserve I have so many amazing memories with him and we shared so many things manly our love for basketball. Rylee, Hailey and their amazing family will be in my prays. RIP Rylee you have effected so many hearts.
Rylee was a close friend of mine and I will truly miss going to the movies together
And having a great time. Also it hurts me that I don’t get to say goodbye to my best friend. I hope that man who run him over get the death sentence for killing my friend.
Kathy Beck….the “cops” did not release him. The Cops locked him up. The Judge released him. I’m angry too, but take your anger out on the right people, the Judge who released him and the Court System that lets people like this out on bail.
I had classes with Rylee and did a project with him in ms.waldrops class nobody likes it but it was still so much fun to film with him and our friends. He was a smart young man and a gentleman to say the least he was one of the sweetest guys I knew. I didn’t know Hailey but one of my other friends knew her and went to her church. It breaks my hear that both of them had to leave in this way and at a young age and I hope both of their families will get through this troubled time.
Our hearts are breaking right now. Our family loves Rylee so much. What a wonderful young man he was. He sat by my sons hospital bed as my son was getting stitched up from a bike wreck. He laughed and told jokes and held my sons hand. He made it possible for my son to get through it without feeling scared. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families affected by this. Rylee, thank you for being a wonderful friend to our son.
My condolences to the family who has lost a child. My prayers for the child in the hospital and both families. Mr Reality it seems you are fortunate enough to be ignorant of the pain of losing a child in any manner. Now is the time to support the families.
My thoughts and prayers are with both families during this difficult time.
Our hearts are broken to hear of this. Our family loves Rylee so much. What a wonderfully sweet young man he was. Our prayers go out to his family and to the family of Haley. Rylee, we will miss you.
I know Hailey from school, she is a very nice girl and she did not deserve to lose Rylee. I hope the best for Hailey, her family, and Rylee’s family. Sooner or later I hope they lock that guys butt up in jail for what he did. Hailey if you end up reading this we’re praying for you, I hope you have a speedy recovery. Fly high Rylee.❤
Dear God bless these two families and help them get through this tough time in their lives. Jesus’ name amen.
This is truly a tragic misfortune.
I know Hailey from school, she is a very nice girl and she did not deserve to lose Rylee. I hope the best for Hailey, her family, and Rylee’s family. Sooner or later I hope they lock that guys butt up in jail for what he did. Hailey if you end up reading this we’re praying for you, I hope you have a speedy recovery. Fly high Rylee.
This idiot knew he ran over children. Just called later to say he thought he hit a deer to cover his butt.
This is so tragic. I went to school with Rylee last year and we always had these little contests between eachother. We would always talk in the hallways and he was very sweet and super funny. I am also sorry for Hailey. Rylee will be missed greatly.
This was originally a vehicle accident and only became a crime when he left the scene. This happens often. You all who call for life in prison and higher fines and penalties please take an objective look at the situation and set your emotions aside. Law makers have made the law, penalties/fines for a reason. They do so with carefully and intentionally. You are quick to judge but if it’s you on the judging block, you are thankful for the laws written the way they are. One person does not get to decide what the law says. It’s a collective body of elected officials who you all voted for. Keep that in mind, keep your sanity.
Mr. Reality, I believe Lillian is a child who went to school with these 2 children. Her comments were anything but stupid. She was giving her condolences the best way she knew how. Everyone agrees this is tragic. Let’s be kind. Especially to these kids who were friends with both Rylee and Hailey as they try to navigate losing a friend and someone who is their own age.
I knew Hailey from school. She was soo sweet when i first met her. I didnt know Rylee but it made me cry when i heard that he passed. We all know that neither of them deserved to go threw such a horrible accident. Every time i think about them i want to cry. The man who hit them should be punished more. His fine will never fix the scars Hailey has and Rylees parents have.
Lots of love from all of us.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims. Another prayer to the man who caused the accident. May he find peace.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family this is terrible. Just wondering was he drinking? If not i’m sure this was an accident. I do not know anyone involved. Everybody’s jumping on him like he got in his car and intentionally tried to kill somebody. This is a very sad tragedy for everybody involved. It was night and I myself personally have hit deer on that road. So if he was sober I’m pretty positive this was an accident. So you could get seven years for intentionally killing somebody but a person has an accident and should rot in hell and die in prison. How about we let the courts do their job get all the facts before we pass judgment.
RIP Rylee so sorry for your loss
This is so sad! My deepest sympathy to the family. May God comfort you all
My prayers and thoughts to these families.
There’s another issue that should be discussed and that’s how narrow that very active road is. I drive down it frequently and often comment with family about the kids walking along both sides of the road, sometimes walking in the street.
Its the fault of our community that this road has not long ago been expanded to include a sidewalk for those children.
That’s not right. You cops released this man or ahould I say killer. When this happened tou dont know if he was drunk or on drugs. Prayers are going to both families involved. The parents and family of Hailey is turned upside down. Their livea will never be the same. I too am a victim a horrible nightmare. So I do know and understand exactly what these family will be dealing with. My son was almost 24 when he was murdered alao by a hit and run on May 6, 2010 his name was Billy Beck III. Your precious angel is with God. So you parents of Hailey if you need to talk send me an email or message me on facebook anytime day or night I mean that. This man should be charged with vehicular homicide not no hit and run involving an injury no it caused a death. Pick him back up and charge him with homicide and higher fine
This is awful and he should be locked up. My prayers go out to hailey and rylee I can only imagine what ther going through. I know hailey but not rylee but my heart still goes out to them❤
I’m sorry for the loss of the young childs life it’s very devastating and very painful and this guy should’ve been charged with a lot more and not had a bond set….but why were these children out so late on such a desolate very low lit roadway that everyone is ripping and running down every day and night plus this quarantine going on?? I’m sorry the parents should be held responsible too be responsible for your youngins and accountable I guess the point I’m trying to make is yes this is very sad and heart wrenching but also very preventable!! I’m not bashing anyone’s opinions or views on this matter so please no ill comments but its true very preventable!!
This is sad. I’m glad this man was arrested. I hope he spends a long time in prison. My little brother Andrew Given was killed a month ago in a hit and run . The man that did it is still on the street! I hope that my family will get justice. I know it won’t bring the life of him nor this young mans but justice does in some way bring some closure to it. Im very sorry for this family’s lose. I know to well how they feel.
My heart is breaking for the family who lost their child and the kid who witnessed and was also hit by this persons soulless negligence I know no words will make it better but I pray u
This is so sad! And then he gets out on such a low bond for what he did. He took one life and permanently damaged another of two innocent children. My brother was hit by a car in 1995 and was in a coma on life support for 2 months with severe brain damage and the man that hit him got an $83 careless driving ticket that was it. My brother wasn’t supposed to live but by the grace of God he did but he is now mentally retarded and has short term memory loss and can never live by himself because of it. He may never have a wife and children all because he was walking to the ball park. The man looked down at his cell phone that’s why he went 8 feet off the road and hit him. And I feel so bad for these innocent children and their families. I’m so sorry. I’m here if you need anything just email me.
I know you have that child in your care Father. Bless his soul, in Jesus’s name dear God…amen . Prayers and condolences to the families of this tragic event. I know firsthand the pain of the loss of a child. It still hurts.
I am so sorry for these children and their families.
30.000.00 what a joke!
You kill a child and get out of jail.
Who was the judge that approved that bond?
Please let me know for I can social media let the public know.
Praying for the families during this difficult time. His charges need to be upgraded to vehicular manslaughter for Rylee. I cannot imagine the pain of his family right now. May God wrap his arms around you.
I’m very sorry of your precious lost.
So SAD!!!! These young lives ruin for ever. “He may have hit a Deer”? Well it wasn’t a Deer, it was Two Kids with Two legs each. “May your Soul………..”. How can you have compassion for someone like you Mr. Etheridge? Old and Foolish. I’m sorry but my Heart is broken for these families, these children. Let Justice be done.
My heart and prayers go out to the Simmons family! Also prayers to the Locke family!
His bond needs to be higher!
I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I would also like to personally thank them for opting to donate his organs. I am the aunt of a 2 month old precious baby boy that is at the top of the heart transplant list. He has never been outside of the hospital and his mom & dad have only been able to hold him 2 times since his birth. We are a family praying for a miracle… even though we know another family such as yourselves will have to face a tragedy for us to receive our miracle. Our hearts go out to you!!! We think about & pray for every family faced with this tough decision. Please know, you are blessing and saving so many lives by the decision you have made. God bless you and your precious angel boy!!!
So sad. ..I just can’t stand people like that guy..Even if you hit a deer why not stop.
My prayers go out to Rylee’s family ..RIP. RYLEE..May God be with all.for this terrible lost.
I didn’t know this young man but my heart goes out to his family and friends and I pray that God will put his hand on yell and heal your broken heart
Kidding me a 30 thousand bond smh . Escambia county is still a joke I see.
I am so sorry. I cannot imagine the heartache. Praying for you all.
So sorry for you loss.
Breaks my heart.
It took courage to donate his organs so others can live.
I’m so very sorry for this great loss to your family! In Jesus name, I pray Jesus comfort, peace, grace & mercy over your family.
Prayers for your loss and the grieving you must now go through. Prayers also for the young girl and her family. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
If Mr. Etheridge is found guilt of his charges may he rot and die in jail. It was bad enough that you hit TWO kids but then you took off.
Rest In Peace Hailey.
$30k for felony hit and run?
Rot in hell etheridge
So sad. Beautiful boy. My heart goes out to this family.
I’ve seen higher bonds for non violent drug offenses. What is this?! I’ve known people who have had accidents with deer before and not once have any of them made contact with the animal and just kept driving. Ridiculous.
God bless this beautiful child and sincere prayers for the family and friends of Rylee.
My sincere condolences to Rylee’s family. This is truly heartbreaking for the community.
Prayers with the family and friends of this sweet boy. May he Rest In Peace
Praying for all involved in this family and this tragic time so sorry for your loss may God be with you and your family and hope you can find some peace
This is beyond tragic. My heart breaks for his family and friends! Heavenly Father wrap your loving arms around his parents and give them peace and comfort. Prayers also to Hailey and her family for a quick and full recovery!
To Rylee’s parents, I am so sorry that you are going through this nightmare. I pray you find peace and understanding during this difficult time. We will continue to pray for you and rhw family along with Haley