Former GBHS student killed after being struck in tow
BY BRADLEY "B.J." DAVIS, JR. Gulf Breeze News bjdavis@gulfbreezenews.com

Darrin "Cody" Dykes, 21, a former Gulf Breeze High School student, was killed Monday, Feb. 12 in an auto accident. Dykes was riding in a four-door Chevrolet being towed by James E. Jackson, making a left turn in the intersection on Michigan Avenue and Glass Drive in Pensacola when Luis Ramirez, 20, riding in a Dodge truck, struck the car in tow. The vehicle occupied by Dykes rotated counterclockwise before it came to a stop in the eastbound traffic lanes of Michigan Avenue. Paramedics pronounced Dykes dead at the scene. According to former classmates and teachers, Dykes was remembered for his friendliness and involvement in football.

"It's a sad loss. He was well liked, never caused any problems. He always had a smile on his face," said former classmate Logan Hundley.

His family described Dykes as a Gator football fan and a dog lover. They also recalled a favorite story of his assistance to Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans. A memorial service was held for Dykes on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Pensacola Beach Elks Lodge. He is survived by his parents, Debi Dykes and Jeff Dykes; his stepmother, Gina Dykes; his brothers, Anthony Jeter, Tobie Jeter, Timothy (T.J.) Jeter, Jeffrey Dykes, Brandon Dykes and Casey Dykes; his grandparents, Doug and Jeanette Dykes, Donald and Shelvadean Nelson; his step-grandparents, Ron and Sue Christian; his special friends, Nick VanHoosen, Steven Buttrick, Nicole St. Aubin, Ashley Barker; his special cousin, Michael Cook; numerous cousins, three nephews and many friends.