Branford, Florida – The community of Branford, Florida, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Cloey Criggall, a 19-year-old college student and former standout athlete who died in a car crash Sunday afternoon in Gadsden County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Criggall was driving west on Interstate 10 around 4 p.m. when her vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree amid heavy rain. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Criggall graduated from Branford High School in the spring of 2025 and had recently begun her college journey. She was well-known across Suwannee County for her accomplishments both academically and athletically, earning recognition earlier this year through TV20’s Meldon Law Scholar Athlete series — a spotlight celebrating student-athletes who excel in sports and the classroom.
A beloved figure in local sports
Tributes have poured in across social media and from local organizations. The Branford Babe Ruth League described her as “a leader both on and off the field,” recalling how she inspired younger players and always took time to offer encouragement. “Her passion for the game of softball was infectious and she was a joy to watch play,” the group shared in a heartfelt post.
Jake Rongholt, TV20’s sports director, extended condolences to Criggall’s family and teammates, noting how deeply her loss will be felt across North Central Florida’s tight-knit softball community.
Why her story resonates
Criggall’s death has struck a chord far beyond Branford. In small Florida towns, high-school athletes often become symbols of community pride and hope — embodying values of teamwork, perseverance, and connection. Her passing is a painful reminder of how fragile young lives can be, particularly amid Florida’s ongoing struggle with youth road fatalities.
A memorial fund has been established at Lafayette State Bank to support the Criggall family. Community members are encouraged to contribute and to keep her family, friends, and teammates in their prayers as they navigate this profound loss.
Cloey Criggall is remembered not only as an athlete but as a beacon of kindness — a young woman whose leadership and compassion left an enduring mark on Branford and beyond.
