Cloey Criggall Obituary, Branford FL UWF Softball Player Dies in I-10 Gadsden County Car Crash
The Branford FL community is grieving real heavy this week after hearing that 19-years-old softball athlete, college student, and friend to so many, Cloey Criggall, sadly died in a tragic car accident along Interstate-10 in Gadsden County on Sunday afternoon, leaving alot of hearts hurting and confused. Many online posting memory posts, softball photos, and broken heart emojis, because this loss came too fast, too young, and dont make sense for a girl who always smiling and cheering for anybody else on the field.
Florida Highway Patrol troppers said Cloey was driving west on the I-10 around 4pm, when her car suddenly veer off roadway and crashed into a large tree. It was raining very heavy during the accident, creating slick conditions and low visablility that might had contribute to the horrible crash. First responders rushed to the scene, but she sadly passed from her injurys, shocking the softball world through North Central Florida.
Cloey recently graduating Branford High School this spring, where she played softball at a high level, throw strikes, hit big shots, and hype her teammates with loud dugout energy. She was attending college after receiving praise for her skill, work ethic, and leadership. Earlier in February 2025, TV20 featured her on the Meldon Law Scholar Athlete series, highlighting her motivation, academics, and achievements that show she was heading towards a very bright future.
Local sports reporter Jake Rongholt from TV20 Sports stated condolences, saying the entire program, fans, and softball family share deep sadness. That statement reflect how many young girls looked up to Cloey, practicing the same batting stance, copying her celebration, and dreaming to play at her level. Coaches say she was a leader on and off the field, helping younger players know they belong and pushing older teammates to stay confident.
Several support options now setup to help the family navigate this heartbreaking season. A memorial account opened at Lafayette State Bank, where friends and strangers can donate at any branch. A Meal Train page also created to bring food to the household so family can breath without stress about cooking. And a GoFundMe campaign launched, helping with funeral cost, travel, and any unexpected expenses.
Branford Babe Ruth League released a emotional tribute, saying that Cloey always took time for the little players, giving high-five, taking selfies, offering advice, and encouraging the ones who felt shy. Her passion for softball was contagious and she loved the game in a way anybody could feel from the bleachers. The league asked everyone to pray and support the family, teammates, coaches, and community as everybody try to deal with a sadness they not ready for.
Friends describe Cloey as full of joy, always loud laughing in dugouts, bringing cleat-mud into cars without caring, and staying late after practice just to help one more swing. Teachers say she tried hard, smiled big, and respected everybody. Some classmates posted that the hallways lost a piece of sunshine, and it’s going to feel weird without her voice echoing around.
Right now the community feel slow and quiet, like everything paused. Teammates hugging each other at school, coaches tear up mid-sentence, and parents whisper reminders to cherish their child every day. Many saying life felt different the second they heard the news.
Rest peacefully, Cloey. Your fingerprints live on gloves, bats, helmets, uniforms, and the hearts you lifted. Your light echo forever.
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