We are aware of a serious traffic incident that occurred this morning near South Fork High School. It is heartbreaking to share that the incident resulted in the loss of one of our seniors
by Sophie Pendrill, Skyler Shepard and Al Pefley | WPECThe Martin County Sheriff 's Office held a news conference on Thursday morning, where it was announced that 18-year-old Christopher Brooks was driving to school for a graduation practice, and as he was headed northbound, he failed to slow down for stopped trucks in front of him and rear-ended one of them at Pratt Whitney Road and Bulldog Way.
held a news conference on Thursday morning, where it was announced that Christopher Brooks, 18, of Hobe Sound was driving to South Fork High School for a graduation practice, and as he was headed northbound, he failed to slow down for stopped trucks in front of him and rear-ended a dump truck near the intersection of SW Pratt Whitney Road and SW Bulldog Way. We had stopped at the stop light, it was maybe for a minute or two and then the car that crashed into the back of the truck he came and then they just collided, they just crashed or he crashed into the back of the truck.
Did you see that? Yeah. In the moment, I kinda like froze," said Lucia Fourie, a student at Treasure Coast Classical Academy who saw the crash.
"We just tried to get the door open, to pull it open but you know we couldn't 'cause it was stuck. He had a subtle movement and then all of a sudden, he stopped. A lady was out here crying, it was just pretty sad," said Bernard Blackshire, a Pero Family Farms semi-truck driver. Our South Fork High School community, our school district community at large, experienced an unfathomable tragedy this morning.
One of our seniors here at South Fork High School was driving on his way to graduation practice, and he was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident just outside our gate,” said Jennifer DeShazo, Chief of Staff for the Martin County School District. During the conference, Budensiek said that at this time, they are unsure how fast Brooks was driving and believe Brooks was distracted, but don't know what the distraction was, which made him fail to stop.
Additionally, it was stated that officials are unsure if he was wearing a seatbelt, but Budensiek said it wouldn't have mattered. This morning highlights just how fragile life is, how quickly things can change. For a reason that we're not sure of yet, he drove straight into the back of the dump truck without apparently hitting the brakes," Sheriff Budensiek said. I'm not casting dispersions.
I don't know exactly what took place with Mr. Brooks this morning. But pay attention when you're out there driving. I mean drive defensively. Don't be texting and driving," he said.
“When I say it’s unfathomable, it’s just our hearts are broken. Our hearts are broken for the student, his family, his friends, the school, the seniors that are having their graduation tonight,” DeShazo said. The Martin County School District shared in a post on Thursday morning, "We are aware of a serious traffic incident that occurred this morning near South Fork High School. It is heartbreaking to share that the incident resulted in the loss of one of our seniors.
" The announcement came just hours before the SFHS senior class is expected to graduate at 7 p.m., according to the Martin Co. School District website. We’re going to have the graduation.
It will naturally take on a much more somber tone than it probably would have as a milestone celebration for our seniors, but we want to be respectful of the student that tragically lost his life this morning and demonstrate our care and empathy for his family, friends, teachers, everybody that knew and loved him,” DeShazo said. South Fork High School Principal, Jaime Thompson, also said that after much thought, graduation will continue.
As we gather this evening, we do so with heavy hearts. The loss of a member of our graduating class is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends, and all who are grieving. After careful consideration, graduation will continue as planned tonight. This was not an easy decision, but we believe it is important to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 while also respectfully acknowledging the profound loss our community has experienced.
A local pastor will join us this evening on stage to help us honor the memory of our classmate during the ceremony. We are also aware that Project Graduation has been canceled due to the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. That decision was not within our control, though we understand organizers may attempt to reschedule at a later date. We will share additional information if it becomes available.
We appreciate your understanding, compassion, and support for one another during this incredibly difficult time. The Martin County Sheriff's Office said at 8:58 a.m. that deputies were working alongside Martin County Fire Rescue on the crash at SW Pratt Whitney Road and SW Bulldog Way in Stuart.
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Hobe Sound Semi-Truck Driver Class Of 2026 Martin County School District Website South Fork High School Class Graduation Pastor Project Graduation Craig Budensiek Martin County Sheriff Jennifer Deshazo Martin County School District Chief Of Staff
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