CHARLOTTE COUNTY - It’s a tragedy Chloe Caldwell’s family could have never imagined.

“As a parent we’re not supposed to outlive our children," said Carl Reynolds with Carl Reynolds Law.

On February 8th 2022, the unthinkable happened. Chloe was in a motorcycle accident of El Jobean Road. The driver of the motorcycle, Chloe’s friend Nicholas Caruso, died at the scene. Chloe was flown to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

“And that’s where she passed away due to the motorcycle accident," said Chloe's mom, Alison Caldwell.

18-year-old Chloe was planning for her future and planning for her life after high school.

“She wanted to be a nurse, she wanted to go to FGCU she was supposed to graduate this year. She was a senior at Lemon Bay," said Caldwell.

The news of Chloe’s death prompted an entire community to rally together to lift her family up.

“We’re honored to make you this month’s Helping Hand recipient and offer you this donation of $1000 to help in any way that we can. And know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and with our community for this horrible horrific loss," said Reynolds. 

A loss shared by many others across the nation. According to the Bureau of Transportation latest statistics, motorcycle accidents resulted in 5,014 deaths in 2019.

The National Safety Council reports 591 of those deaths are in Florida alone.

“It’s too much. And I’m afraid there’s going to be more and more with gas prices up and everything I’m afraid there’s going to be more looking for an economic route looking for motorcycles and people just need to be aware," said Reynolds. 

FDOT data shows there are 638 thousand motorcyclists in Florida. Websites like https://ridesmartflorida.com/ offer courses to ride S.M.A.R.T.

Preserving Chloe’s memory by spreading the message to others on motorcycle safety is one way her family is healing.

“Watch out for motorcycles. Be safe. Take due care when you’re on the road," said Caldwell.