Union County Teen Cody Andrews, 17, Killed in State Road 121 Crash; Community Mourns Lake Butler Student

 A heartbreaking crash on State Road 121 has claimed the life of 17-year-old Cody Andrews, a Union County High School student whose death has left the Lake Butler community grieving. The fatal three-vehicle collision occurred on the afternoon of Feb. 27, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, and shut down both lanes of the highway as

Troopers said Andrews was driving a black Ford SUV southbound on State Road 121 when he slowed to make a left turn near Southwest 79th Trail. Investigators reported that a green Ford pickup traveling behind him failed to slow down and struck the rear of the SUV. The impact forced Andrews’ vehicle into the northbound lane, directly into the path of an oncoming semi-truck.

The semi-truck struck the right side of the SUV, causing it to overturn and block both lanes of the roadway. The pickup truck caught fire on the east shoulder following the crash. Authorities said the 30-year-old pickup driver and the 38-year-old semi-truck driver sustained serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly updated.

Andrews, who was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene. News of his sudden passing quickly spread through Union County, where classmates, teachers, and neighbors began sharing tributes and memories of a teen described as vibrant, kind, and full of promise.

At Union County High School, administrators remembered Cody as a “valued member” of the Tiger family. In a statement, the school said he would be remembered for “the light he brought to those around him,” reflecting the deep impact he had on peers and staff alike. Grief counselors have been made available to students struggling to process the loss.

A GoFundMe campaign established to help the Andrews family with funeral and unexpected expenses has already raised more than $13,000, underscoring the strong support from the community. The fundraiser describes Cody as “smart, funny, and full of life,” noting his ability to keep everyone laughing and bring brightness to any room he entered.

Family and friends are now preparing for a celebration of life scheduled for March 7, where loved ones will gather to honor Cody’s memory. The service is expected to draw classmates, teachers, and community members who want to pay their respects and support his family during this difficult time.

As the investigation into the crash continues, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can change on the roadway. For Union County, the loss of Cody Andrews leaves an ache that words cannot fully capture, but his memory endures in the laughter, friendship, and light he shared with everyone around him.