HOOVER, ALA. — The tight-knit community of Hoover is grieving the loss of Jackson Cunningham, an 18-year-old resident and recent graduate of Hoover High School, who died tragically in a car-pedestrian collision in Escambia County, Florida. According to Alabama and Florida authorities, the fatal crash occurred on July 5, 2025, on Perdido Key Drive, cutting short the promising life of a young man known for his kindness, intellect, and athleticism.
A Young Life Marked by Promise and Community
Born in Hoover and active in the city’s schools and local programs, Jackson was described by friends and family as compassionate, thoughtful, and driven. He excelled academically and was recognized for his work ethic, earning a place at Auburn University for the fall semester, where he planned to study environmental engineering.
Beyond the classroom, Jackson was a standout in sports—playing soccer, cross country, and showing promise in robotics. He volunteered with local youth initiatives, mentoring middle school students in STEM and reading programs at the Hoover Public Library. His mentors recall a young man who lit up with an idea and stayed late to see it through.
A neighbor said, “Jackson had a curiosity about the world and a plan to make it better. He won’t be forgotten.”
The Accident: Lost Far from Home
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Jackson was walking along Perdido Key Drive when he was struck by a vehicle in the early evening of July 5. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene, and Alabama officials confirmed his identity later that night.
Escambia County authorities categorized the incident as an accident and have stated there is no indication of reckless behavior by either party. Still, family and friends are seeking answers, holding out hope that understanding what happened can bring a degree of closure.
Heartbreak in Two States
News of Jackson’s death reverberated across Hoover and Escambia County. Students at Hoover High lit candles on the front lawn, and a sign reading “Love You, Jackson” was placed at the school entrance.
“Our hearts ache,” said Principal Karen Myers in a statement. “He was set to begin a journey that reflected his commitment to learning and service. Jackson represented the best of our community.”
At Perdido Key, local residents laid flowers near the accident site as a makeshift memorial. Nearby shops lowered flags to half-mast, and messages of sympathy were posted by Florida residents moved by the tragedy of a young life lost far from home.
Remembering Jackson’s Spirit
Described by his family as outgoing and intellectually curious, Jackson was known for deep conversations—about climate science, robotics innovations, or a book club he joined as a means to bond with his grandmother. He was never short on ideas: from solar-powered projects to community cleanups, Jackson took initiative.
Neighbors recall impromptu visits to homes down the street, offering help with gardening tools or tutoring siblings. He was a frequent presence at church youth group and volunteered at Meals on Wheels. His approach blended quiet confidence with genuine warmth.
One family photo captures him with a wide grin on a beach clean-up mission—sun-tanned, sandy-haired, sleeves rolled up. That smile, say those who knew him, symbolized his generosity and zest for life.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Plans
A public visitation and funeral will be held on July 10, at Pines Baptist Church in Hoover. His funeral will follow, with burial at Aldridge Gardens Cemetery. The family has asked mourners to wear Auburn orange in Jackson’s honor.
In lieu of flowers, Kent and Sarah Cunningham request donations to the Jackson Cunningham STEM Scholarship Fund, which supports undergraduates in environmental engineering at Auburn University—a field Jackson chose to study. They also encourage contributions to youth gardening and robotics initiatives he supported in Hoover.
A Community in Mourning and Resolve
Hoover city officials announced enhanced pedestrian safety measures—signal timing reviews and better lighting along routes often used by student pedestrians. Mayor Frank Brocato urged residents to “honor Jackson by making our roads safer, especially for students commuting.”
Auburn University has offered counseling and peer support to first-year students affected by the loss of their peer, saying Jackson’s classmate community “is grieving but determined to carry forward his ideals of curiosity and fairness.”
A Legacy Lives On
Although Jackson’s life was brief, his character and energy left a lasting impression. His story is a reminder of the fragility of youth and the power of a life led with purpose.
“He wanted to fix the world,” his sister, Emily, said. “And he started by fixing small things—helping people, asking questions, doing the right thing. That’s Jackson.”
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