IN MEMORY: Lakewood Ranch remembers crash victims

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The pain was still raw and tears fresh as Lakewood Ranch students returned to school Jan. 3 without two of their own.

Joshua Jerome Rogers and Brett Daniel Wagner, both 18, died from injuries sustained from a car crash at Rye Road and State Road 64 on Christmas.

“It’s a loss for all of us,” Lakewood Assistant Principal Tom Zellars said. “It’s a tough start back to school.

“They were boys with big hearts,” he said. “They loved life. They enjoyed people. They were like brothers. They had each other’s back all the time.”

Both Rogers and Wagner were known for their zeal for life and contagious smiles. They began playing flag football for the East Manatee Bulldogs when they were about 5 years old. Both later played football and wrestled for Lakewood and were part of the FFA program.

“Both Josh and Brett were very tough young men,” wrestling coach Pat Ancil said. “They had the grit and determination that it took to be successful on the wrestling mat. When they competed, I always knew they would physically dominate and outwork their opponent. They both had tremendous athletic skills.”

Rogers died Dec. 25, after being transported to Blake Medical Center. His best friend died two days later — Dec. 27 — at Manatee Memorial Hospital.

A Florida Highway Patrol report states a 2010 Nissan driven by Fedele Mele, 73, was stopped southbound on Rye Road at its intersection with State Road 64. Mele then entered the intersection and into the path of the 1994 Chevrolet driven by Rogers.

Mele’s vehicle collided with the left front of Rogers’ vehicle. Rogers’ vehicle overturned several times, coming to a final rest on its roof. Both Rogers and Wagner were ejected from the vehicle and sustained trauma to the head. They were not wearing seatbelts.

A third passenger in Roger’s vehicle, 24-year-old Terron Sanders, suffered minor injuries.

Mele, of Lakewood Ranch, also suffered minor injuries, while his passenger, Ann Faraone, also of Lakewood Ranch, suffered serious injuries.

Mele was charged with violating right of way from a stop sign.

As news of the accident spread, friends gathered together in prayer Dec. 27, at Summerfield Park, sharing stories of their friends and classmates.

“We’ve always had so much fun together,” said Jamie Cochran, Wagner’s ex-girlfriend. “He was absolutely always there for me and wanted to see nothing but a smile on my face.

“One time, Brett and I were hanging out with a few people, and he and I walked outside and sat down together,” she said. “I sat down on his lap and didn’t move until two-and-one-half hours later, because we got so deep into conversation that we were focused on nothing but each other.

“When I finally stood up to (adjust) myself and sat back down, the chair collapsed beneath us, and I fell right on top of him,” Cochran said. “We didn’t even jump up. We just lay there laughing. It was one of the best nights I’ve ever, ever had. I love him so much.”

Dozens of students also gathered at the crash site in the days following the accident, leaving balloons, flowers, footballs and other mementos and messages on a pair of white crosses.

Bayside Community Church hosted a Celebration of Life service for Rogers and Wagner Dec. 31. More than 1,400 attended the service.

“Life is truly a gift, and y’all lived yours to the fullest, that is for certain,” friend Tiffany Elder posted on Facebook. “This town has two beautiful angels always watching over us, and you two will never be forgotten. God is always here.”

Following the service, friends and family members headed out to the East Manatee Bulldogs field. Next year, the building inside the field will be dedicated in honor of Wagner and Rogers.

Rogers, born Oct. 3, 1993, is survived by his parents, Jerome and Gena Rogers; his brother, Jordan “Shorty” Rogers; and extended family members.

Wagner, born Sept. 19, 1993, is survived by his father, Fred Daniel, and mother, Debora Lynn Wagner; his brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Krista; and sister, Nichole; and extended family members.

To help Rogers’ parents with medical expenses, a Josh Rogers Memorial Fund has been set up at Fifth Third Bank, 6601 Manatee Ave. W. Checks can be made to the “Josh Rogers Memorial Fund” at any Fifth Third Bank location.

The Lakewood wrestling team also is planning to honor Wagner and Rogers during its annual Mustang Duals tournament Jan. 7. Wrestling begins at 9:30 a.m., and a percentage of the proceeds will be split between the two families. A donation jar also will be available for those wishing to make a separate donation.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected] and Jen Blanco at [email protected].