Nelly Wilson, a Jacksonville resident, was killed early Monday morning April 13, 2026 when his SUV veered off I-295 southbound near the Wilson Boulevard exit on the west side of the city, struck several trees in the right-of-way grass, spun back across the highway, and came to rest on a guardrail in the 9700 block area of the interstate.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Wilson, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected onto the active travel lanes where he was struck by at least two passing vehicles. The initial single-vehicle crash happened just before 3 a.m. near the Wilson Boulevard interchange, a busy corridor connecting the west side neighborhoods to downtown and the airport.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue and Florida Highway Patrol troopers responded quickly to the scene on I-295 southbound at Wilson Boulevard after reports of the multi-impact crash. Paramedics found Wilson unresponsive in the roadway and pronounced him dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
The other drivers involved in the secondary strikes remained at the location and cooperated fully with investigators. All southbound lanes were closed for more than six hours as crews cleared wreckage and processed the scene, causing significant morning delays before reopening.
Friends and coworkers remembered Nelly Wilson as a kind, hardworking man whose positive presence brightened any room and who was deeply loved by those around him. Colleagues from his time at LongHorn Steakhouse shared heartfelt tributes noting that he was always making people smile and would be greatly missed.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the exact reasons the SUV left the roadway on I-295 southbound near Wilson Boulevard, with reconstruction teams examining factors such as speed, road conditions, and possible mechanical issues. No charges have been filed against the other drivers who struck Wilson after his ejection, as they remained at the scene and are cooperating. The case remains active with troopers reviewing any available video or witness accounts from the busy interstate corridor in northwest Jacksonville.
Residents near Wilson Boulevard and commuters on I-295 in Jacksonville have expressed concern and sorrow following the fatal crash that claimed Nelly Wilson’s life in the pre-dawn hours. The area, a key route for west side traffic, has seen calls for greater awareness around seat belt use and safe driving after the violent sequence that unfolded on April 13, 2026. Community members have offered support to Wilson’s family while highlighting the need for caution on the often-congested interstate near the Wilson Boulevard exit.
