Page 10 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

Remembering Jacob Dawson-Escobedo

Community comes together to honor the death of 12-year-old

By Sarah Shurge A family friend, Michelle Lozo,
It started as what seemed like a started a gofundme to help Jacob’s
normal day. February 14th, Valen- parents with funeral and burial ex-
tine’s Day. A day dedicated to love. penses. Immediately, the community
No one expected the day to end in began to show their support with do-
the tragic loss of a loved one. nations and kind words. Over 600
Jacob Dawson-Escobedo was individuals donated, surpassing the
right in front of Franklin Middle gofundme goal amount.
School, the school he attended, “He turns 13 on the 23rd. We
when he was hit and killed by a were supposed to go to Franken-
school bus. muth for his birthday. He was sup-
Jacob was fatally hit at approxi- posed to bring his best friend that
mately 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Febru- lives around the block,” said Daw-
ary 14th. The sounds of police sirens son. Dawson invited the community
filled the air. Annapolis St. was to meet her in front of Franklin Mid-
blocked off. A helicopter circled the dle School, on Thursday, February
scene. 23rd, what would have been Jacob’s
“I remember thinking I was going 13th birthday. She asked everyone to
to take the kids out after I got off bring a candle to blow out for Jacob
work for Valentine’s dinner,” said at 11:47am, the time he was born.
Brian Escobedo, Jacob’s dad. “I was Balloons were released as well.
30 minutes from getting off of work "He's just a good kid. He was re-
when I got the call.” ally trying," said Dawson.
Classes had just been dismissed Jacob’s celebration of life
for the day. Joanie Dawson, Jacob’s arrangements consisted of a viewing
mom, told 7 Action News that one of on his birthday, February 23rd, and
Jacob’s friends had called her after Friday, February 24th. His family
the accident. asked attendees to wear green or red,
Dawson rushed to the school and green being Jacob’s favorite color.
arrived in time to follow the ambu- Jacob’s burial was Saturday, Feb-
lance and police vehicles to the hos- ruary 25th. His coffin was green and
pital. Jacob was transported to the signed by loved ones.
hospital but did not survive his in- "He was so excited about different
juries. things. We played "Dungeons and
“I had to walk out of the hospital Dragons" together. We had a lot of
and just leave him there,” said Daw- stuff in common that we really
son. “That was hard because I shared on," said Escobedo. "He
shouldn't leave my children and not looks like my mini-me. He looks just
come back for them.” like me, it's like I lost myself."
Wayne-Westland Community Jacob Dawson-Escobedo Jacob was the brother of Dallas,
Schools District Superintendent Elizabeth, Carly, and Karson. Grand-
John Dignan issued a letter to par- son of Darla Escobedo, David Taylor,
ents announcing the tragedy. Theresa Taylor, and the late Babs.
"Jacob was a wonderful student Jacob is also survived by many
and friend who was always smiling," aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
said Superintendent Dignan. "He Jacob was described as a kind-
was also creative and smart and was hearted young man, making friends
working on a fantasy book. Jacob with anyone, and was especially
will be missed by his teachers and close to Donovan, Jaxon, MJ, and
classmates." Kayden.
School was back in session at Jacob’s loved ones said he loved
Franklin on Wednesday morning, listening to music and he loved art,
less than 24 hours after the accident. especially drawing. He loved being
Emotional support teams were pres- outside, loved camping, and could
ent at the school to offer assistance never get enough of fishing. He en-
to students and staff coping with the joyed playing sports: football, basket-
tragic loss. ball, and skateboarding. He had lots
Jacob’s classmates covered of fun playing video games and he en-
Jacob’s locker with hand-drawn pic- of their sorrow and grief. A small me- after the accident with flowers, notes, joyed collecting and reading comics.
tures, letters, and other expressions morial sat outside the school a day and stuffed animals. Jacob will be missed by many.
10 · March 2023 · The Wayne Dispatch