Family seeks North Boulevard safety improvements after 18-year-old killed

The family of 18-year-old Omari Linzell Williams is calling for sidewalks, speed bumps and lighting on North Boulevard in St. Lucie County after a driver struck and killed him while he was walking to buy groceries. The traffic homicide investigation remains ongoing.

His mother, Witney Williams, said she wants changes to protect other children. “We need sidewalks, we need speed bumps and we need lights,” she said. His aunt, Sharon Garcia, said the family plans to launch a petition in his name to make the roadway safer. The family is also seeking answers about the circumstances of the crash.

Investigators said Williams was walking along the westbound lane of North Boulevard around 6 p.m. Tuesday when a 30-year-old driver struck him. According to investigators, the driver was unable to see Williams before the collision. The driver cooperated with investigators.

Relatives said Williams had left home to pick up groceries because the family did not have a vehicle. Garcia said floodwaters affected where he could walk. “There was floodwaters on the opposite side of the road so he couldn't walk on that side,” she said.

Witney Williams said she became concerned after seeing a social media post and being unable to reach her son by phone. She rushed toward the scene. “I was just praying that I'd get there before he took his last breath and I didn't make it,” she said.

His mother described him as a caring older brother to his six siblings who regularly helped her. After his death, relatives said people reached out to describe how he had supported them through difficult periods. The family learned he had used an online platform to connect with people who were struggling.

“It sucks that I lost mine, but I'm going to fight to make sure this doesn't happen to another kid,” his mother said.

The family plans to hold a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. Friday at Lakewood Park in the Fort Pierce area. Relatives, friends and community members will have an opportunity to remember Williams. The family also started a fundraiser to help with funeral expenses.