• Rickards High School principal and band director remember Gavin Witmer as an outstanding student, musician and friend.
• Members of the FAMU and FSU band communities offered condolences to the family on social media.
• Watch the video to learn about its lasting impact:

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

The death of a Tallahassee student is being felt in neighborhoods across our city.

Gavin Witmer and his mother died in an accident on Monday.

I spoke with school leaders Monday, who say he was a shining light in the Raider community.

“Gavin was truly exceptional, truly exceptional,” said Rickards Band director Emerson Young. “He’s one of our top leaders, but it was fair. He was one of those who said, “I’ll do this with you. Whatever I ask of you, I will do it with you and lead by example. ‘”

Young is one of many in the city who have mourned the loss of that young leader.

Gavin and his mother died in a crash Monday on Tennessee Street on their way to perform with his band in the Veterans Day Parade.

Director Douglas Cook reflected on the last conversation he had with Gavin.

He said he just spoke with him last week about the senior’s bright future.

“I told Gavin, I told him, wherever you choose to go, you’re going to be successful and do great things,” Cook said.

Cook said it’s important to honor him and keep his legacy alive.

“17 years old. He hadn’t turned 18,” Cook said. “This is heartbreaking for all of us, but we must remember Gavin and all the positive things he did. He shone an amazing light for us that we will never forget.”

Many in Tallahassee said they feel the same way.

The FAMU chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi marching band fraternity made a post on Facebook and Instagram on Tuesdaywhich read in part “Gavin was a hard worker and an excellent musician.”

Florida State Band, Marching Chiefs, they also offered their condolences on social media.

Young said Witmer’s mother, an active troop volunteer, will also be missed.

“A down-to-earth, very approachable woman who is very supportive of Gavin,” Young said.

He said his band community will forever remember Gavin for the leader, musician and friend he was to all.

“All around, just an inspirational figure for other students to look up to,” Young said.

Young said the school is holding a vigil at Rickards on Thursday for students, staff and parents.