Coaches and friends mourn teenage Hartford athlete killed in ATV accident | WDHN

HARTFORD, Alabama (WDHN) – It was a devastating holiday weekend for the loved ones of Braxton Tate, a teenage athlete who died in an ATV accident in Florida.

This is difficult for family, friends and even his coach, who has been a family friend for over 20 years, to cope with – making this loss both personal and professional.

“The first reaction of anybody, especially a 13-year-old, is shock, then you become incredulous and start asking questions. Your brain starts asking questions and rationalizing, but the sad thing is that in this case nothing happens,” said his coach Al Gilmore.

Florida Highway Patrol officials said the accident occurred two days before July 4 on Ma Hodges Road in Holmes County.

He was there visiting and spending time with his grandmother as he planned to set off fireworks for the holidays.

But on Tuesday evening, highway patrol said he was riding his ATV when he attempted to turn onto Chestnut Road and veered off the road. The ATV struck an embankment and overturned in a ditch.

“When I first heard this, I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to believe my mother. I cried a lot in the last few days and finally realized that he was gone,” said his friend Brody Griffin.

His unfortunate absence weighed heavily on the hearts of some people in Geneva County.

“The outpouring of love and support and the feeling of ‘Whatever you need, you have it and whatever you need, I’m here’ reminded us what small town America and small town Alabama means in times like these,” Gilmore said.

“Yeah, it was different. I was here every day. You come here and people are here because of the Tate family and his brother Dylan,” said Caden Hutchings. “Every day there are three people who stay with Dylan.”

Tate was currently attending the 8th grade at Geneva County High School. He was a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball, baseball and football.

“He was a USDA All-American Boy coach who you were happy to have the opportunity to be around because when he walked into the room he was a ray of sunshine,” Gilmore said.

He even loved the sunshine – he enjoyed fishing, hunting and horseback riding.

His relatives say he was very friendly, loving and very sociable.

“He got along with everybody, young and old. He talked to my parents, talked to my brother and then came into my room and talked to me. How can you not get along with someone like that?” Hutchings said.

Tate leaves behind his parents and a brother with whom he had a very close bond.