DE LEON SPRINGS, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
A car struck and killed 15-year-old Julian Rediker Sunday evening in De Leon Springs.
The driver, a 63-year-old woman, will likely not face any charges, because investigators said she was not speeding when she hit Rediker. According to investigators, the boy was walking westbound on Reynolds Road in the same direction as traffic and near the center line when he was struck.
Rediker's mother, Saffiah Saidi, told FOX 35 that her son was walking home from a friend's house. "It's not a good feeling, I could tell you that. When your kid leaves to go visit a friend, you don't ever feel like your kid is not coming home," she said.
Rediker was a student at Taylor High School and was on the Junior Varsity Football team.
"The kids were upset, and drawing pictures and trying to cope with everything they found out today," she said with tears in her eyes.
People who live near Reynolds Road and Fairport Avenue described the roadway as dangerous, saying there are no lights, speed-bumps, or a posted speed-limit sign.
"The hill, it's dark, they're going too fast, speed-bumps, signs, something needs to be done," said resident James Redwine, who attempted CPR on the boy.
Rediker died early Monday morning.
"He was compassionate, he was lovable, he was strong, and he had a big heart," said his dad Julian Senior as he fought back tears. "He was the most important person in the world to me, and I can't bring him back."
