October 24, 2025

Jacksonville School Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Student-Athlete

News Summary

The Jacksonville community is mourning the loss of Kennedy Waymer, a talented former student-athlete from Paxon School for Advanced Studies. Kennedy passed away from osteosarcoma, facing her diagnosis with unwavering determination and a 4.6 GPA. Known for her vibrant personality, she inspired many with her resilience. Her legacy lives on through yellow wristbands that read “Kennedy strong,” and a memorial service is scheduled to honor her impactful life and the joy she brought to her community.

Jacksonville is in mourning for Kennedy Waymer, a beloved former student-athlete from Paxon School for Advanced Studies, who passed away from osteosarcoma on October 14, 2025, at the age of 19. Kennedy was diagnosed with this aggressive form of bone cancer just weeks before her high school graduation in April 2024, following complaints of pain in her throwing arm.

Throughout her high school career, Kennedy distinguished herself as an outstanding athlete, participating in multiple sports including softball, basketball, and volleyball. She was recognized not only for her athletic abilities but also for her vibrant personality and competitive spirit, which endeared her to teammates, coaches, and classmates alike.

Despite her cancer diagnosis, Kennedy’s commitment to her education remained unwavering. She graduated high school with an impressive 4.6 GPA and had already signed a softball scholarship to the College of Coastal Georgia, pursuing a pre-engineering track. However, her battle with cancer proved to be a long and difficult one, as she underwent 19 rounds of chemotherapy along with two surgeries. Her health took a further decline as the cancer returned in January 2025, affecting her lungs.

As her community grieves, friends and family members fondly recall Kennedy as a “happy-go-lucky kid” who never lost her positive attitude, even amid her health struggles. Her coaches and teammates have praised her exceptional work ethic, character, and ability to inspire others, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

In a show of unity and remembrance, the Jacksonville community is honoring Kennedy’s legacy with yellow wristbands inscribed with “Kennedy strong” and “put a (K) on cancer.” These wristbands serve as a reminder of her strength and the ongoing fight against cancer.

To celebrate Kennedy’s life and the impact she made on so many, a memorial service is scheduled for October 25 in Jacksonville, allowing friends, family, and community members to come together to remember her and reflect on the joy she brought into their lives.

Ron and Sandra Waymer, Kennedy’s parents, have expressed their deep grief, emphasizing how their daughter brought light and happiness not only to their lives but to the lives of everyone who knew her. The loss of Kennedy has left a profound void in the hearts of those she touched.

The community’s response to Kennedy’s passing highlights the values of compassion and support that she embodied, as people come together to honor her memory during this challenging time.

As Jacksonville remembers Kennedy Waymer, her spirit lives on through the lives she influenced, inspiring others to embrace life with positivity and tenacity.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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