Pictured Above: Friends mourned the loss of USF St. Petersburg student Bryan W. Pennington following his death in a single-car crash.
Courtesy of Matt Cannella on Facebook
By Aya Diab
A 23-year-old USF St. Petersburg student was killed in a one-car crash in Tampa on June 5.
Bryan W. Pennington was a criminology major who transferred to the university after earning an associate degree from Hillsborough Community College.
“I am deeply saddened by the news about the passing of one of our students, Mr. Bryan Pennington,” said Dean of Students Jacob Diaz. “I am sending love and thoughts for peace to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
According to a report by Fox 13 News, Pennington was traveling southbound on W Davis Boulevard in the Davis Islands neighborhood at a high rate of speed when he crashed into a concrete bridge barrier around 2 a.m.
He is the second USF St. Petersburg student to die this summer. Owen Melin, 22, a psychology major, was shot and killed in a home invasion just six blocks from campus on May 27.
Pennington was born in Arlington, Texas. He moved to Tampa when he was 1, along with his mother, Luciann Pennington. He attended Mitchell Elementary School, Wilson Middle and Plant High School.
According to an obituary in the Tampa Bay Times, Pennington was an avid sports fan who earned letters in both football and basketball at Plant High.
In the obituary, he is described by family and friends as a loyal, enthusiastic and charismatic person with the nickname “Big Boosie.”
On the evening that he died, more than 150 people attended a candlelight vigil on Davis Islands to honor his memory.
In June 2016, Pennington received two tickets for failure to provide proof of insurance and registration. In September 2014, he received two tickets for not wearing a seat belt and not carrying his driver’s license.
A service will be held on Friday, June 19, at Blount Curry Funeral Home at 605 S MacDill Ave. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a service and reception.
Pennington is survived by his mother, Luciann; his father, Chris Kale; three brothers; and a sister.
This story is developing. Stay with crowsneststpete.com for updates.
Kind of messed up to include his driving history at the end and insinuate that his irresponsibility got him killed.
Yes…ridiculous. Rest in peace Bryan …we love and miss you.
Love you Bryan … miss you.