Family and friends remember teen killed in SR-31 crash

Reporter: Haley Zarcone
Published: Updated:

Family and friends are keeping a 19-year-old’s memory alive after he lost his life in a collision with a truck on State Road 31.

WINK News first brought you Hunter Hughes’ story last week.

The teen’s life tragically came to an end on State Road 31. His car collided head-on with a car hauler.

Hughes was driving to work.

He was a dedicated kitchen manager at The Lake House at Babcock Ranch, a place where he and his dad shared their bond with every customer who came inside.

But the Hughes family was ripped apart when Hunter’s dad died last month, and now, they have to bury a second family member in just as many weeks.

Many of his coworkers decided to skip their shifts Wednesday night and attend Hughes’ funeral.

It was an emotional night for a lot of people.

“They did everything together, from work to home life to eating, and Hunter loved his father, loved his father, and his father loved him,” said Heather Maldonado, Hunter’s mom.

Known for his cooking, dancing and zest for life, Hughes was laid to rest Wednesday night.

“Now he gets to go be with his father again. I can at least have peace knowing he’s not suffering,” said Mirasia Beal, Hunter’s sister.

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