On December 1, at about 1:15 a.m., while commuting to his job in Jacksonville at an Amazon fulfillment center, the unfortunate death of 25-year-old Dalton Penkacik occurred. His lifeless body was discovered on Blanding Boulevard’s inside southbound lane when an officer who was responding to another incident accidentally came upon it. Three months before to Dalton’s untimely demise, his 12-year-old brother Brighton Penkacik was killed in a car accident while walking to school.
While walking to the school bus stop on September 1st, Brighton was involved in an accident. He allegedly fled onto the road in an attempt to escape a pursuing dog, and a Chevrolet Cruz ran him over. Brighton passed away from his injuries, but the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. The mother of Brighton, Shawnee Penkacik, expressed her sorrow by saying, “He was the brightest light in our family of 12 kids.”
The loss of Dalton has once again caused the Penkacik family much distress. His unexpected passing has cast doubt on the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run. His dad, Jason Penkacik, couldn’t believe it and said, “Every day is a blessing! Hug your kids and tell them you love them.”
The tragic deaths of both brothers have devastated the Penkacik family. Tragically, these instances have also brought attention to the risks that pedestrians encounter in Florida. With 3.70 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 population in 2022, Florida is considered one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. As Shawnee Penkacik said in a statement, the Penkacik family is struggling to cope with their loss and is finding comfort in their faith.
If you have any information regarding the hit-and-run that killed Dalton Penkacik, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is asking that you come forward. At this terrible moment, the community grieves the loss of these young lives and prays that the Penkacik family finds justice.
