Family remembers 12-year-old Rodney Jean Thomas after fatal Ocoee crash

A Central Florida family is grieving the loss of a 12-year-old boy remembered for his gentle spirit, bright smile and love of music after he died from injuries sustained in a crash earlier this week.

Rodney Jean Thomas died Wednesday evening after his family made the difficult decision to take him off life support, according to family relative Christy Reynolds.

Rodney was struck by a vehicle around 7:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, while in the roadway on Old Winter Garden Road near Blackwood Avenue in Ocoee, police said.

According to police, Rodney was initially taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center. The driver remained at the scene.

For Reynolds, who describes Rodney’s family as an extension of her own, the news came through a frantic phone call from Rodney’s mother, Madianne.

“I got in my car. I was there within five minutes and it was chaos at the scene for sure,” Reynolds recalled.

Reynolds said Rodney had been playing with a friend and his younger brother when the crash happened. She said the children were not supposed to be near or crossing the road.

The sixth grader was a quiet child who loved music, going to church and attending Vacation Bible School. He was learning to play the keyboard and enjoyed singing praise songs.

“Just loving on Rodney. I mean, you have a sweet sixth grade little boy who just was quiet but loved music,” Reynolds said.

His death has left a void in the lives of his family and others who knew him.

“It is, it is a loss that is felt,” Reynolds said.

Rodney was a student at Thornebrooke Elementary School, which shared a message of support following the crash and directed community members interested in helping to the family’s fundraiser.

As the family begins making funeral arrangements, they are also trying to navigate life without Rodney while supporting his mother and four brothers.

“Planning a funeral. Now, all of that has been completely unexpected. Nobody plans on that,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds described Madianne as a hardworking single mother who raises five boys and works seven days a week to provide for her family. She said the sudden loss brings emotional and financial challenges, including funeral expenses and time away from work.

Community members and their church family have stepped forward with donations with the family’s GoFundMe, prayers and offers of assistance. Counseling also has been offered to help Rodney’s younger brother, who witnessed the crash.

Reynolds said the family is grateful for the outpouring of support and hopes the assistance will give Madianne some breathing room as she grieves and makes arrangements.

When asked what made Rodney special, Reynolds remembered his personality and the way he connected with those around him.

“He just had a great smile and just a great attitude about him,” she said. “Just like any other little boy, loved playing, loved riding bikes and playing video games and all of that.”

“He’s going to be dearly missed. There is going to be a hole now that only he could fill,” Reynolds said.

Ocoee police said the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities do not anticipate filing charges at this time, pending the final results of the crash investigation.

As the family prepares to celebrate Rodney’s life, Reynolds offered a reminder to others: hold your children close.

“Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of support for this family,” Reynolds said. “We just are so very grateful.”