SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A 21-year-old University of Central Florida student was struck and killed by a car in Seminole County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Troopers said Reuel Buchanan died in the crash, which was reported at 8:50 p.m. Wednesday on Alafaya Trail near Carrigan Avenue near Oviedo.
According to the FHP, a 20-year-old Orange City man was driving a 2003 Toyota south on Alafaya when Buchanan ran into the direct path of the car.
Buchanan's friends and family told News 6 he was out for his evening run when he was hit and killed.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report.
The driver was not injured and had the right of way, the FHP said. Troopers said the victim was in the crosswalk when he was killed.
A UCF police spokeswoman said Buchanan was in his junior year as a criminal justice major at UCF.
“Our hearts are broken," said Dr. Maribeth Ehasz, vice president for student development and enrollment services. "Reuel was an active, engaged student leader known and loved by many in our UCF family. We extend our love and support to his family and friends."
Buchanan was a mentor and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated at UCF.
The victim's father, Stephen Buchanan, said he wanted to be a police detective.
The Florida Ques released this statement on Facebook:
"It is with a heavy heart that the Florida Statewide Organization - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. communicate the passing of our dear brother, Reuel Buchanan (Spring '17, XTT, University of Central Florida). Please keep the Buchanan family, The XTT chapter, and the Eta Nu Ques in prayer. Bro. Reuel was a fine, young man, and was also a mentee through Eta Nu's Gentlemen of Influence program. Bro. Ruel was recently inducted into the Mighty 7th District Ques Honor Society and was the recipient of a Academic Excellence Award and the Founders Memorial Scholarship.Omega weeps... #LongLiveRu"
"Right now, we’ve got to make arrangements to put our son to rest," Stephen Buchanan said.
It's the hardest thing any parent has to do, he said. Stephen Buchanan said even during his son’s short life, he touched so many people and he really couldn’t have asked for a better son.
"I always say to my wife, 'How can one child be so perfect?' He has been nothing but joy for us from the day he was born," Stephen Buchanan said.
Reuel Buchanan mentored kids at Evans High School and enjoyed giving back, his father said.
"Whether it (was) teaching them, helping them with their schoolwork, playing basketball with them he was always doing something," friend David Bolden said.
Buchanan was the UCF chapter president at his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Buchanan's best friend, roommate and fraternity brother almost broke down talking about the man he and so many others say they’ll miss.
"He was always the one to always light up a room, energetic, always had a smile on his face," said Roshane Walker.
UCF officials released a statement after the learning the news Thursday.
"Our hearts are broken," the statement read. "Reuel was an active, engaged student leader known and loved by many in our ucf family. We extend our love and support to his family and friends.”