CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. - Hernando High School football players remembered the JV football player that was struck and killed by a van early Friday morning.
Trevor Bowen died after a driver in a van killed him around 7 a.m. on Friday. The 16-year-old was walking on California Street in Hernando County when he was struck.
His sisters said he had missed the bus and was walking to school
"My brother loved the field and we're here to support him. Today is his day regardless of the tragedy that did happen," said Nymaris Ruiz, Bowen's sister.
Hernando High School played Crystal River High on Friday night. The football game was nearly canceled, but football players urged administrators to let them play the game Trevor loved so much.
Trevor played on the JV team.
"Trevor was an amazing kid. He was full of life. He was compassionate," said Arelys Santiago, Bowen's sister.
A moment of silence was held for Bowen at the start of the football game. Varsity football players carried his jersey, number 11, onto the field.
"I'm overwhelmed with the support we've been receiving so far. It really shows us that everybody who knew Trevor really got that side of him and they knew what kind of kid he was," said Santiago.
His sisters wished they would have made it to a football game sooner.
"Unfortunately, I live in Tampa so I’m not close by. I know that for awhile he’s been begging us all to come out and support him. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to do so. Being here today is showing him that even though I didn’t make it to one of his games that I’m here now and I hope that he can see that," added Santiago.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
According to an FHP crash report, charges are pending against the 64-year-old driver in the van.
