An 18-year-old from Massachusetts was one of three U.S. Navy sailors killed early Saturday morning in a single-vehicle crash in Pensacola, Florida.
François Prince Emmanuel Longdaye Yambete was serving as an Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Recruit with the Naval Air Technical Training Center at Naval Air Station Pensacola.
According to Boston.com and Pensacola police, the crash occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. near M Street and Cervantes Street. The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it lost control, struck a barrier, flipped, and burst into flames. All three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
A GoFundMe fundraiser states that François was a beloved son, brother, and cherished member of the community. He was pursuing his dream of joining the Navy.
“His life was filled with promise, and that future was taken far too soon.”
Others described him as a shining light who was the brightest young man, sweet, and beautiful inside and out.
The crash remains under investigation.
