Members of Wesley Chapel High School’s cross-country teams led a solemn procession around the school’s track on Dec. 11 to honor the memory of Jaret Harshman.
The 15-year-old died from injuries sustained in a Dec. 9 car accident.
Shortly after the accident, his father, Mike Harshman, shared the news of his son’s death on Facebook.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
After first apologizing for the shocking nature of the post, Mike Harshman, of Wesley Chapel, wrote: “This evening on his way to church with friends, our oldest son Jaret was killed in a fatal car accident. He was just shy of his 16th birthday on Dec. 28. Kristi and I are numb and distraught – it seems surreal to us. We love Jaret, and are so proud of him – a terrible hole will be felt in our family forever, and we are still in shock over this. But we take great comfort in our faith, believing he was welcomed home into the arms of Christ.”
In the post, Mike Harshman, who is a preacher, also asked for prayers for the two boys that Jaret was riding with, Ryan and Michael Miller, also of Wesley Chapel.
Michael Miller “was in surgery for hours and appears to have a long recovery from his injuries,” the post says. It also notes that Ryan Miller “will have to deal with the emotions he will face. We love those 2 boys like our own sons, and will continue to embrace them as this will be a difficult road for them as well …”
According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol, 18-year-old Ryan Miller was driving a 2006 Chevy Aveo north on Culbreath Road, approaching a stop sign at the intersection County Road 572 (Powell Road) around 6:18 p.m., on Dec. 9.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High School)
Meanwhile, Christopher Reed Russell, 25, of Spring Hill was driving his 2014 Dodge Ram on County Road 572.
Miller failed to stop at the stop sign and traveled into the pathway of Russell’s vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report. Charges are pending.
During the memorial at the school, members of the cross-country teams carried a paper banner containing hundreds of tributes to Jaret.
The messages were printed in tiny letters, or scrawled in giant cursive. They were written with markers or pens in green, red, black, blue and pink.
The posts expressed sorrow at Jaret’s death, gratitude for having known him and hope for him to have a new life in heaven.
Here’s how Nicole put it: “Jaret, you always brightened up my day and lit the whole room up with your smile. You were one of the best people I ever got to know. Love you J. Harsh.”
Another friend, Pey, wrote, “I’ve known you for seven years now and I will love you and miss you forever. Doesn’t seem real … You had a heart of gold.”
Members of his cross-country team wrote a tribute, too. “I know, we know, that you will be watching us at cross-country meets and cheering us on from up in heaven. Thank you for being an amazing friend, brother to us. We love you so much.” They signed the message: “Love the cross-country team that you will always be a part of.”
Desirae K., added “you were loved by many and had such a kind heart. You will be missed dearly. Rest easy.”
Members of the cross-country team, and the coach, spoke during the memorial, describing Jaret as a devoted runner who inspired others with his dedication to the sport.
Mike Harshman spoke, too, thanking the hundreds gathered at the track, and everyone else who has offered comfort and support in response to Jaret’s death.
Carin Hetzler-Nettles, principal at Wesley Chapel High, characterized Jaret as “an incredible young man who loved school, loved his friends and family, and loved participating in sports here at Wesley Chapel High.”
She also noted: “ He touched many lives with his random acts of kindness and selflessness, and was adored by his Wildcat family. He will be missed greatly and will always be in our hearts.”
Published December 16, 2015
