When Pasco High School has its talent show on May 8, it will be dedicated to Jordan Ivie, a 17-year-old whose death has caused hearts to break — as well as to expand — in Dade City.
The high school senior was riding in a 2002 Ford Mustang being driven by Austin Thomas Council on the morning of April 24, when it was involved in a crash, according to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol.
(Richard Riley/Photo)
Council was traveling south, toward the center of Smith Road, when a sport utility vehicle approached from the other direction, the report says.
Council veered to the right and lost control of the car, which struck a mailbox and four trees before coming to a stop, the report says.
Council and Ivie were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, where Ivie died on April 26.
Both Council and Ivie were wearing seatbelts and no alcohol was involved, according to the FHP report.
An investigation is ongoing and any charges would be pending its completion, which will likely be in three months to six months, said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, of the FHP.
After Ivie’s death, hundreds gathered at Pasco High School on the evening of April 26 to honor her. The high school senior had been set to graduate on May 29.
Family, friends and loved ones gathered again on April 30 at a memorial service for her at Pasco Middle School.
Social media sites reveal the family and community’s deep sense of loss.
In a 7:27-minute video posted by Jeff Jeter on YouTube, scenes from Jordan Abigail Ivie’s life flash across the screen, as she grows from infant to little girl to young woman.
Her blonde hair and blue eyes are a constant, and her bright smile conveys a joy for life.
In another YouTube post, Cora Zone, shares her grief about Ivie’s passing.
“God has gained a new angel today,” says Zone, ending her video with happy photographs of Ivie.
The video concludes with this quote, attributed to Ivie: “Don’t give up, focus on the positives, and be kind always. Seek out the most in every precious, beautiful day you are given.”
Others across Dade City were also moved by the young woman’s death.
At Olga’s Bakery and Deli, all of the proceeds from items sold on April 29 were donated to the family to help them cover expenses.
“We were open until our normal time of 2 p.m. We had run out of baked goods and materials to bake with,” said Chris Dious, the bakery’s owner.
The shop donated more than $5,000 to the family from its sales, along with $3,000 in direct donations, Dious said. Some employees also contributed their daily wages to the cause.
When people found out what the bakery was doing, they came out in droves.
“I was impressed with our customers. The line was long, and everybody was very patient,” Dious said. “This was busier than any other day we have ever had, including the Kumquat Festival. It was a very long day, but worth it.”
In Facebook posts, Ivie’s father, Alfred, apologizes for being unable to respond to all of the messages that have been sent to the family. He also expresses gratitude for the community’s response.
“Our family is truly overwhelmed by grief. However, we are also overwhelmed by the love and support we have received from our community.
“Your compassion towards us has made such a difference in our grief and we (will) always be grateful for your many acts of kindnesses and kind words,” he wrote.
To help relieve the family’s financial strain, two crowdfunding pages have been set up at GoFundMe.com.
—Richard Riley contributed to this report.
Published May 6, 2015
