Alaysha Williams Obituary, Death: – The community at Edward H. White High School is mourning the untimely death of senior Alaysha Williams, a committed athlete who succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident on Jacksonville’s Westside. Williams, who participated in various sports, was a key player for both the girls basketball team and the Gateway Conference champion flag football team. She was struck by a vehicle at approximately 6:40 a.m. on Monday.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the case, which has been designated as a hit-and-run. The incident occurred in the 3900 block of Blanding Boulevard, close to Cedar Hills Boulevard. Reports indicate that while attempting to cross Blanding Boulevard on foot, Williams was hit by a car and was subsequently taken to Orange Park Medical Center with serious injuries.
Following the collision, the driver of the vehicle momentarily stopped in a nearby parking lot to check for damage before fleeing the scene and proceeding south on Blanding Boulevard. Authorities are currently searching for the driver, who is believed to be operating a white Toyota Yaris or a similar vehicle, likely with damage to its right front end.
In the aftermath of Williams’ death, the girls basketball team at Ed White honored her memory on their Instagram account, sharing their grief through touching messages. They referred to her as “literally my heart,” stating, “love you to death… [jersey number] 25 forever…. she knew family… she knew love… she knew sisterhood.” The Eagle’s View Academy girls basketball team also expressed their condolences, posting their support with the hashtags #Justice4Lay and #25.
Williams was not only a remarkable player on the court, serving as the starting point guard and captain for the upcoming season, but she also played a vital role in the flag football team. She was pivotal in leading her team to victory, scoring the decisive touchdown in the Gateway Conference championship game against Fletcher, which resulted in a 7-0 win in April. Her contributions during the season were significant.
