PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - The death of UF football player Michael Guilford continues to send shockwaves through the Gators' program.
Guilford, 19, and passenger Ashley Slonina, 20, were killed around 1 a.m. Friday after Guilford?s motorcycle struck a median on Old Archer Road in Gainesville.
Word of the accident spread by phone on Friday, and Guilford?s teammates were hit hard by the news.
BI got calls last night after it happened, but I was already asleep so I didn?t know I had the calls until I woke up,C quarterback Tim Tebow said. BI heard it early this morning and talked to coaches œ it was pretty early when I found out, so it was soon after it happened.C
Guilford, a walk-on from Quincy, Fla., contributed as the Gators? scout-team quarterback and also played defensive back.
BI was just in shock,C Tebow said. BRight when I heard it I was like, 'What, say it again.? I felt horrible and sick about it. The first thing I did was pray for him and his family.C
Guilford and some friends were at a nearby gathering on Thursday night, and were planning to leave before Guilford and Slonina œ who met that night œ decided to go for a short ride on Guilford?s motorcycle, according to roommate Bo Howard.
When the pair didn?t return, Howard and the rest of Guilford?s friends grew worried.
BTwo other players from the team came to the house we were at and told us to call Michael because they had seen a crashed silver motorcycle,C said Howard, a former walk-on and member of the 2006 National Championship team. BWe called him and he didn?t pick up, so we went down there right away.
BThey wouldn?t show us anything. They allowed us to identify the bike, and we saw his hat there so we knew it was his.C
Howard and John Fairbanks, another walk-on, were charged with the tough task of notifying their friend?s family of his death.
Fairbanks told Guilford?s father in person early Friday.
BHis dad was in Gainesville to take him home (Friday),C Howard said. BThat?s something you never want to experience œ having to tell a dad that his son was killed in an accident.C
The team hasn?t had a formal meeting on the situation yet due to the bye weekend, but Florida head coach Urban Meyer issued a statement on Friday regarding Guilford?s death.
BWe are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Michael Guilford. He was an outstanding, quality young man that was loved, respected and admired by all of us. His unselfish efforts on helping his teammates getting ready to play every week were only a glimpse of the person he was.
BWe pray that God's blessing be with Michael?s family, friends and teammates during this sad and difficult time. Our condolences and blessings also go to the family and friends of Ashley Slonina who also passed away in this sad and tragic accident.C
Guilford was nicknamed 'Sunshine? because of his long, blond hair and resemblance to Ronnie 'Sunshine? Bass, a character from the movie BRemember the Titans.C
While his appearance may have been the main reason for the nickname, Howard said it was fitting for Guilford?s personality as well.
BHe always brought out the best in people,C Howard said. BHe really earned the name 'Sunshine? because he was a ray of sunshine for everybody.C
For those who knew Guilford, the reality of his passing has been tough to comprehend.
BIt definitely is surreal, because it?s something that you don?t expect,C Tebow said. BIt?s hard to grasp it, but once you do it definitely gives you an appreciation for everything and makes you approach life differently.C
