A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 26-year-old on February 3rd along Hodges Boulevard in Jacksonville.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Just a week after the heartbreaking incident, hundreds gathered at the Providence School baseball field to pay tribute to Koby Flores. Known for his vibrant spirit, faith, and love for those around him, Flores was remembered not just as a son and friend but as an inspiring teammate.
Flores was celebrated as a sincere individual who cherished his faith and had an uplifting presence.
“One day, we’ll remember him with a smile before tears come, knowing he’s watching over us,” shared a longtime friend from his childhood.
Many attendees had shared their early years with Flores, bonding over baseball since they were young.
“We’ve been together playing baseball since we were six,” recalled another friend.
“It doesn’t even feel real,” another added. “I spent my whole life trying to be like him. It just hurts a lot. I miss him.”
The memorial on the field served as both a celebration of Flores’ life and a show of support for his family. His father said the community’s love has meant the world.
“He touched a lot of lives, and it proved tonight,” his father, Brad Flores said, who added that working alongside his son at TCI Mechanical in Atlantic Beach was one of his greatest joys.
“It was special to work with him. I got the opportunity to see him every day.”
Flores died Feb. 3 after his motorcycle collided with an SUV that turned into his path along Hodges Boulevard, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
A memorial now sits at the crash site, flowers and a piece of his motorcycle resting where his life was cut short.
On and off the field, those who knew him say Flores lived by the motto “faith over fear.”
“He was like a little roadrunner, that was actually the name of our team,” one friend said. “You could see his legs moving in circles and he’d even grunt when he ran.”
“He could walk into any room and dial up the temperature,” another added.
“The biggest dawg in the room,” his friend said. “I’ll miss him.”
His friends described him as fiercely competitive, joyful and always willing to give everything for those he loved.
“Just him laying out on the field, that’s a symbol of his life,” said another friend. “That’s what he did for his friends.”
Flores’ death marks the fifth motorcycle fatality in Duval County so far this year. Loved ones say his story is a powerful reminder of why motorcycle safety matters.
For now, the people who knew Koby Flores best are clinging to their memories, his laughter, his energy and the faith that kept him grounded.
“We love him so much,” his father said. “We can’t wait to see him again.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office offers free motorcycle safety courses, with the next one scheduled for Feb. 28. Information on how to register can be found here.
A GoFundMe has also been set up to help the family during this time.
