Family and friends are mourning the sudden loss of Jennys Garcia, a Marion County high school student who just celebrated her 18th birthday and was scheduled to graduate in May, after she was tragically killed in an all-terrain vehicle accident earlier this week.
Garcia, who turned 18 years old on Valentine’s Day, was killed Monday, March 16, after the ATV on which she was riding as a passenger struck a tree and overturned.
Garcia was an Anthony resident and a senior in high school. Although she previously attended North Marion High School, staff at the school confirmed that she had transitioned to homeschool this year. Despite the shift, Garcia remained a familiar face on campus and was scheduled to graduate this May.
According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident took place around 6:20 p.m. on a dirt path just west of NE 171st Avenue Road. An 18-year-old Ocala male, who has since been identified as Jordan Audit, was driving the ATV eastbound when the vehicle’s left handlebar struck a tree.
The impact caused Audit to lose control, sending the ATV off the path and into a wooded area where it overturned and collided with a second tree.
Garcia was pronounced deceased at the scene and Audit was trauma-alerted to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital in critical condition.
On Friday morning, Garcia’s mother shared photos of a memorial that has been set up at the site of the accident.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community has rallied to support the Garcia family. A GoFundMe organized to help cover funeral expenses has seen an outpouring of local support, quickly surpassing its initial $20,000 goal. As of Friday morning, the account has earned over $24,000.
“Jenny was a loving daughter, sister, cousin, and aunt who meant so much to everyone who knew her,” the family shared in a statement through GoFundMe. “Her kindness, warmth, and presence will be deeply missed.”
Mayelline Felix, a former colleague of Garcia’s mother, described the loss as “every parent’s worst nightmare” and called on the community to surround the family with compassion. “Jenny was deeply loved… her kindness and light will never be forgotten,” Felix stated.
Consider making a donation to help the family of the late Jennys Garcia through GoFundMe.
A visitation will be held for Jennys Garcia on Friday, March 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 720 S Pine Avenue in Ocala.