UPDATED: Ocala teen dies in early morning crash
Sister launches online national petition for safer streets.
Shannon Rushing [Photo courtesy Marion County Public Schools]
UPDATED POST:
In the wake of the tragic traffic crash that claimed the life of 18-year-old Shannon Rushing on Oct. 27, a petition for safer roadways has been launched, along with a GoFundMe account.
The Forest High School senior was struck in the roadway at 1920 NW Blitchton Road in Ocala and passed away from her injuries. An OPD official stated that the call regarding the collision was received around 6:21 a.m.
Kevin Christian, director of public relations for Marion County Public Schools, wrote in an email that Shannon was “well liked” and was “always encouraging others.”
“School counselors described her as very personable, bubbly and well-liked by many, including her teachers and office personnel. She recently joined the Jesus Club on campus and was always encouraging others with her positive outlook,” Christian stated.
Christian noted that grief counselors would be available for students and staff “as long as needed,” Christian wrote.
Rushing also attended Ward-Highlands Elementary and Howard Middle schools.
The GoFundMe page, organized by Isaiah Norton to benefit Shanta Norton, who is Rushing’s sister, states that the teenager was a “bright light in this world, she was loving, joyful, positive and full of life” and asks page visitors to support the family “through donations, PRAYERS, or sharing this page — pray and share the page.”
“We the family received the news of Shannon’s death as a shocking and unbearable loss, which no family could have anticipated,” the page states.
The endeavor had raised $7,963 from 160 donors as of 10 a.m. on Oct. 29.
An online petition calling for legislation dubbed “Shannon’s Law,” aimed at safer roadways for pedestrians, has been posted at change.org
The law would seek safer streets in Florida for pedestrians and “honor Shannon’s memory’s,” according to the post.
“On October 27, 2025, my beloved sister Shannon was struck and killed while walking along NW Blitchton Road in Ocala, Florida. That road, shrouded in darkness without adequate lighting, sidewalks, or pedestrian signage, has been a silent perpetrator of numerous accidents, claiming far too many lives, including Shannon’s,” a post by Norton states.
“The infrastructure failed her, and the lack of safety measures on that road is to blame,” the post reads.
The petition post details areas where “Shannon’s Law” would mandate changes including installation of needed lighting on streets with pedestrian traffic, installation of sidewalks and reflective signage where needed and regular audits of dangerous roadway corridors.
As of 10 a.m. Oct. 29, there were 1,351 signatures on the petition.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol Crash Dashboard, 14 pedestrians have died on Marion County roadways through Oct. 23, according to preliminary data.
To learn more, go to gofundme.com/f/honor-shannon-rushings-beautiful-spirit and change.org/p/pass-shannon-s-law-to-ensure-safer-streets-nationwide
ORIGINAL POST: An 18-year-old Forest High School senior died Monday as the result of a tragic traffic crash in northwest Ocala, the Ocala Police Department has reported.
Shannon Rushing was struck in the roadway at 1920 NW Blitchton Road and passed away from her injuries.
An OPD official stated that the call regarding the collision was received around 6:21 a.m.
Kevin Christian, director of public relations for Marion County Public Schools, wrote in an email that Shannon was “well liked” and “always encouraging others.”
“School counselors described her as very personable, bubbly, and well-liked by many, including her teachers and office personnel. She recently joined the Jesus Club on campus and was always encouraging others with her positive outlook,” Christian stated.
“Marion County Public Schools grief counselors are at the school to help students and staff deal with this tragedy. They will remain on campus as long as needed,” Christian wrote.
Rushing also attended Ward-Highlands Elementary and Howard Middle Schools in Ocala.
OPD Public Information Officer Jeffrey Walczak wrote in a Facebook post that OPD is “heartbroken with this news and we are supporting the family and community during this difficult time.”
“The OPD investigation continues and more updates will follow,” the post stated.
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