JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One of the two Home Depot employees struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of the Regency store last week has died.
The parents of Enoch Isaac Jackson III say the 20-year-old man died of his injuries.
“He was that person, man, to do anything to help anybody,” said his father, Enoch Jackson Jr. “We were blessed to be his parents.”
Enoch III was the only child of Jackson Jr. and Angelique Purnell.
“His personality was like sunshine, very respectful, extremely smart, very successful, hardworking and gave everything 100%,” Purnell added.
Enoch III attended Florida State College at Jacksonville, majoring in business management. He worked at Home Depot for two years, where his mother said he was primarily a lock technician.
“And he only missed maybe one day,” Purnell said.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the driver of a pickup truck pulling a trailer was making a left-hand turn near the contractors’ entrance of the store about 1 p.m. on March 10 when he hit the two employees. Police said the driver told them he didn’t see the pedestrians and they said he has cooperated with the investigation. Police said both employees were wearing orange vests.
It’s unclear if the workers were retrieving carts or if there was a shift change.
“I am trying not to think of my son getting hit from behind at work, didn’t see it coming, he could not get out of the way,” Purnell said.
“At this very moment, we just need answers, we can’t think about what may or may not come after that, but we need answers, clarity (about) what took place,” Jackson Jr. said.
Home Depot released the following statement on Thursday: “Enoch was the kind of person who reached out and connected with people. He was known for his positive attitude and his friendly, kind nature. We miss him dearly, and our hearts are with his family.”
“I don’t know how to express exactly what I am feeling because, it’s more so, OK he is gone but we miss him,” Enoch’s father said.
Enoch III’s organs were donated to those in need, which gives his family some comfort.
“Through his life, he saved four other lives,” Jackson Jr. said. “The beautiful thing about it is he would never leave us. He is forever going to be in our hearts, so, guess what, we have to be strong as well, through him, you and myself, he is going to continue to live. He would have wanted that. It’s just amazing how he is still affecting people’s lives in spirit -- the four lives for the main organs. Now his plasma is going to be donated. That’s amazing in itself.”
The viewing for Enoch Jackson III at Holmes-Glover-Solomon Funeral Home on Brentwood Boulevard will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. He will be laid to rest at Edgewood Cemetery at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The second employee injured did not have life-threatening injuries. The incident remains under investigation by JSO traffic homicide detectives.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Enoch III’s family with expenses.
