Navarre teenager dies in car accident

Navarre resident John Robert Kepko, 19, died July 1 in a car accident outside Lake City.

Kepko had been traveling back from Pennsylvania when his car veered off the interstate. Donna Kleine, his aunt, said that there were no witnesses to the accident and the police are not sure what caused the accident.

“He had just spoken to his dad and he told him (the dad) how well he was feeling and how well he was doing,” Kleine said.

He was transported to the hospital where he died a few days later; his organs were donated.

Kepko moved to Navarre seven years ago and attended Woodlawn Beach Middle School and Navarre High School. He had spent the past year working with his uncle in Pennsylvania restoring houses. Kepko loved skateboarding, amusement parks and hanging out with his friends.

“He laughed a lot,” said Kleine, “He was known for helping people.”

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on July 10 at the Holley by the Sea Beach House. The pass code to enter is 1414. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis Veterinarian’s non-profit organization Squiggley’s Safe Haven for pets. Donations can be made by calling 936-4446 or by visiting St. Francis at 1856 Cotton Bay Lane.

More the complete story, see the July 12 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.