For the second time in less than 24 hours, Matanzas Woods Parkway in north Palm Coast was the scene of a violent crash involving a motorcycle.
At 2:30 this morning (April 7), Anthony Rogers, a 19-year-old Palm Coast resident of Philox Lane in Palm Coast, was killed as he was riding his 1995 Suzuki west on Matanzas Woods. Riding with him was 17-year-old Lauren Kashtan, also of Palm Coast. She suffered serious injuries and was taken to Florida Hospital Flagler.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Rogers failed to negotiate a curve as he rode on Matanzas Woods, and collided with a palm tree.
Just 14 hours earlier, Robert O’Conner, who was riding his Harley north on U.S.1, collided with an older driver, Richard Henderson Deeves, 88, as Deeves drove out of Matanzas Woods Parkway and cut off O’Conner’s right of way. O’Conner was taken to Halifax hospital in critical condition, where he remains. Both are from Palm Coast.
Rogers had not been having an easy time of it, repeatedly falling in and out of trouble with the law over the past two years, and as recently as two weeks ago, when he was jailed over a marijuana possession charge and violating his probation. He’d been in jail over half a dozen times since 2010, repeatedly on charges of aggravated battery, armed burglary, assaulting law enforcement officers and other more minor offenses.
“Man i try so hard but shit never works out for me..some times i just wanna give up..but i keep my head up..i tell myself all the time i can do it but what am i doing,” he wrote on his Facebook page on March 16. The few pictures on his page show him fond of drinking, of which he wrote often. But he was also in need of company: “need some one to talkto:((,” he wrote on March 21.
Two days latter, he announced that he’d gotten a job, only to be locked up two days later. His next to last posting (his last was about the song “Drank In My Cup” by Kirko Bangs) read: “just got off work..long day got work tomorrow..about to go chill.”
“Anthony wanted to turn his life around, a few weeks ago he was telling me he was going to find a job and get his G.E.D. and try to go to college,” Justin Thomas, a friend, wrote. “You always had my back. You were a good friend. R.I.P. Anthony Rogers your in a better place now.”
Just two hours before Rogers was killed, someone had posted: “Miss yaa!!” Late Saturday afternoon, Kashtan posted on Rogers’s wall: “I love you guys and I love you baby boy, RIP.” The words were followed by the symbol for a broken heart.
abba1107 says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Chuck and Terry his parents and his brother and sister
Julie Davis says
Heartbreaking. Prayers going out to the whole Rogers family.
Justin Thomas says
R.I.P. Anthony, you are now with GOD!
Ralph Belcher says
Is the son of Commissioner John Rogers?
FlaglerLive says
Ralph, Anthony Rogers is no relation to John Rogers, the commissioner, though we understand he’s been getting quite a few inquiries about it.
britt roth says
I’m goin to miss u ant. Its too hard to believe ur gone. R.I.P anthony dale rogers!!!
U will a l w a y s be remembered and u will NEVER! be forgotten… love ya
sadinpalmcoast says
So sad to hear lives taken my heart goes to out to all families involved
palmcoaster says
It breaks my heart that we spend trillions out there policing the world and helping the needy in other countries, but do not address and take care the needs of our own young and old. This young American fellow man needed help for his addiction and or his depression but looks like that was none available for him in time to save him.
The Almighty keep him by his side and help his family and friends to cope with his loss.
Sterling Westbrook says
All my prayers go out to his famliy expecially my best friend
Stormy who I was just talking to this is her cousin I love u girl keep ur head held high and I’m hear for u when ever u need me <3
Stormy Kay Branning says
if you look on face book of the croos MY DAD MADE HIMSELF , Friends and family put things on .. I put a tedy bear with a note in it and my family bout Flowers to put every where around it I WILL MISS U SOO MUCH ANTHONY U WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPESHA; PLACE IN MY HEART….. All i have left of him is pics and a part of the modercycle light….. Let this be a lesson for every one . WERE HELMETSS!!! <3 R.I.P ANTHONY I LOVE U
Stormy Kay Branning says
THE PERSON WHO SAID MISS YA…. IT WAS MY SISTER WE ARE DEVISTATED!
Sterling Westbrook says
Stormy its not working <3
Stormy Kay Branning says
R.I.P ANTHONY
Stormy Kay Branning says
WE WILL MISS U
jim haug says
Loss of another fine young life. I know that when I was that age and had not accepted my demons of my gender confusion, I acted out in different ways. Help should be out there for these young people no matter what thier issues.
Hmmmm says
Why is it when Darrin Giddens died everyone had so much to say about his thug life but when another thug dies no one wants to talk bad about him….
Outsider says
I send my prayers to the family and friends of this young man. Having seen people with addictions and such, it is not possible to drag someone to help when they are not willing to accept it. I don’t know if that applies in this case, but it is not always appropriate to blame society when something like this happens; the person is not always willing to accept the help that is out there.
shana edwards says
to yall that wanted to put he was a troubled man , that was NONE of ur buisnessss to if he was in trouble or not ! u guys didnt know him like how we did ! he was a good boy & he was trying to do soooo good now ! & its just kills me to know now hes gone ! i miss u anthony n forever will u be missed ! R.I.P ANTHONY ROGERS !!!!!! ♥ LOVE ; shana edwards
Alyssa Robertson says
He always had the right intentions even if his actions showed differently, everyone knew him in their own way and had their own bond. For a report to say he was a troubled man trying to do right.. well it hurts my heart. He wasn’t a troubled man, he was misunderstood and never given a chance due to his appearance and history. He was finally on the right path and starting to get the hang of life.. he was taken too soon and will never be forgotten. Love you baby boy. We all miss you so much!!
Corey Branning says
I have known Little Man since He was a little boy and He has always been the most caring person I have ever known. I myself have been in trouble and can Say Honestly Its not the Trouble that Defnes a man But what he does to Get Himself back on Track…. Ant was soo excited last week when we were at Flagler Beach , His face lit up with Life talking about his new job. I will never let go of the Last hug I gave him and TOld him ” I love Ya Broo Broo , You better stay outa trouble… I wish I could go back to that day because I would never let him go and Bring him home …. I love ya Mama Dukes and Uncle Chuck… CJ and Becca , No one will Truly understand the deep cuts but Just know that love and family you have here with you … RIP LIttle Man … We all love you anthony and will never Forget… Your big bro ….
Corey Branning says
I will tell you why … I myself did not KNow Darrin Giddens but Can tell you Anthony was NO Thug. . Yes we might Have done stupid things but Only have had the charges because THat is what the “Law” defines… So befor you Are so quick to pass judgement why don’t you sit back and watch how MUCH Love is P0ured out into the Community for him … I will NEver not defend HIm ,,, He has and always will be my little brother…
rebecca rogers says
my brother was not a troubled man.. he was was amazing he kicked his girlfriend off to save her life.. i cant believe its reall.. i miss u anthony my babyyy brother..always n forever
TERRY ROGERS says
to my baby boi i will forever have you in my heart although i will never againn hold u in my arms for you to know how much i love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
T0 My Ant Man says
D0 not know how your mom and i will go on with out you. How will i fish at our spot, who will help me pull the the next engine with me, who will all we done all we seen, I love you son you with your grandparents and with ruffus ,,, they will take care of you as you take care of them. ilove son, what will i do with out you
LOVE YOU ALWAYS Dad (red rooster)
349 says
Anthony was a good kid. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to all of those who were close to him.
dean irwin says
this is a time of great sorrow but it is also a time for great celebration. celebration for a mans life tho it was short he was one of the best people i have ever met. anthony was the type to always have a friends back when needed he never was hesitant to give a helping hand all tho we feel like we lost him forever we will also have him right here in our hearts perminatly i love u bro bro so much and i will see u very soon in that better place we all dream to go to one day you was so hard to knock down it jus sucks something so simple took u out man i love u bro i am very greatful to have called u my friend
Brihanna says
first & foremost, his name was DARIUS. & secondly, these are DEATHS. Why are we so worried about if the person was a “thug” or how they lived their life? Everyone lives their own life & regardless their actions shouldn’t be judged or discussed after death – that’s not our place that’s GODS. Both of these people “thug” or not had close relatives & people that LOVED them. Where’s the respect?
Aaron says
RIP Anthony D Rogers U will b missed an loved by lots an u were great friend an had madd love for alotta ppl me an u used to have allota good times an did some crazy shot 2gether I’ll miss u an will NVR forget a kid like u…. Much love Bro Bro
palm coastie says
GIVE ME A BREAK, I HAD MY BUTT THROWN IN JAIL AT 20 FOR DUI AND THAT WAS ENOUGH FOR ME, SCARED ME STRAIGHT!! I THINK THE EXPRESSION IS THE FRUIT NEVER FALLS FAR FROM THE TREE.
Jenkins says
Its heartbreaking when any loss of life at such a young age happens,its devistating for the family,but this is no surprise anthony has been in trouble as young as 13 ,everyone is pushing under the rug this troubled kid going back to as young as 14 stealing his fathers car and almost dyeing ,I was in the 7 11 2 wks ago while he was making a drug deal on the phone in front of young children and customers,he was addicted to drugs and didnt seem to mind addicting others as well,his brother has been known as one of the biggest drug dealers in palm coast,there was no respect for anyone in the community by either of the boys.They were allowed to run the streets n do whatever they wanted from a young age.Quite frankly Parents know whom your children are associating with,this is the outcome of a troubled life, with no dicipline,no direction n no respect for life.
ANONYMOUSAY says
Whether the commenters posting are friends of this young man or not, please remember the next day of life is not promised to any of us. Young people have to remember unforeseen occurrences can befall anyone at anytime ending ones life or close to it. DO NOT ADD TO IT! Any peer or adult that gives you bogus advice to live life to the fullest or with reckless abandon is not someone you should associate with. YOU young people are being forced to grow-up faster and are faced with more distractions than any other generation ever. Do not be misled by Hip Hop stars, Rock Stars, Street Stars and etc. Second chances are rare these days, even for adults that appear to have everything. Do not look to the System/Government for help because if they really cared about rehabilitation and fixing society they would use the money spent on incarceration for more positive means. Thirty thousand a year just to see if your guilty? Now go see if you can get a grant for that amount? The point is do the best you can while you can. Don’t fall for this fake party life garbage getting high and chasing the opposite sex and think you have to gain material wealth or status to fit in. Get your head and self-confidence together and start with short term goals that are realistic, short term goals to help you get to the next one and so on. Society and Technology fosters this “ I want and need everything now” attitude but disappointment will only spin your mind into survival mode in a bad way. Palm Coast CAN be a nice place to get your head clear, depending on where you came from or what YOUR doing. But believe this if you don’t keep yourself busy in a good way, every negative pitfall hidden here will find you and make you pay for it with your life. Please take note from people like myself that as a grown man still suffer the scars of bad decisions I made as a teen. There are enough bad examples out there to know what to stay away from. It’s starts with keeping or getting your mind clear. You have to have clarity in order to see beyond your current situation, grief discouragement or depression. Find whatever it is YOU have to offer or are good at make people need or want it. No a job is not a cure all but in this tough economic climate it’s a start on getting focused and establishing those small goals. Life is precious let’s all remember that whether we knew this young man or not and honor him by doing all we can to be productive neighbors and citizens of Palm Coast.
Eliana Torres says
I will miss you Anthony the biggest regret that i have is not getting to spend enough time with you I MISS YOU SO MUCH I LOVE YOU I HOPE THAT YOU REST IN PEACE !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Breanna lang says
I’m goin to miss u ant. Its too hard to believe ur gone. R.I.P anthony dale rogers!!!
U will a l w a y s be remembered and u will NEVER! be forgotten… love ya .. but i still cant except the fact that your gone .. you will always have a place in my heart .. lil man aka anthony rogers .. love you <3
John D. Frazier says
I commend you for trying to write an unbiased report, I must amend several points, there was no armed robbery, Anthony accepted a plea to abetting a burglary of an unoccupied vehicle. The possession of marijuana charge was dismissed. The picture showed on your page indicated he was drinking a beer, on closer examination you will realize it was a power drink and not an alcoholic beverage. The sum,mer that Anthony got into his trouble was difficult one for him as he was suffering from deep depression due to a personal experience that trouble him greatly and he was becoming addicted to prescription drugs to help him overcome his pain. He was only 16 years old at the time. If I said that Anthony would be a poster boy candidate for the boy scouts I would be lying. Hopwever he was no gangster, he had a soul, a conscience, and a heart as big as all outdoors. His network of friends were like a web of love extending everywhere. His smile and his genuine hugs could light up a room. The requests for counseling and drug addiction support for him were ignored, there was not enough monetary influence to support that need. It was easier to send him to prison, a time that was not an one for him to endure, but he did. Anthony accepted that that he was in the wrong time and the wrong and he accepted the punishment as something he had to endure to right the wrongs he committed. His desire to change his life around was sincere and we spent many hours applying for jobs everywhere his applications would be accepted. The absolute delight to finally find someone who would employ him is difficult to describe, but he felt he was on his way. On the night of the accident there are serious issues to be investigated, among them, other motor vehicles present, leaving the scene of an accident by several persons, covering up evidence of a crime. The paties present that evening had a great detrimental influence on Anthony and were a factor in his deqth. He will be greatly missed and time will not heal all the wounds. Anthony lived with me and confided with me many of his future hopes and aspirations. A word to other parents out there is that when your children go to bed at night take the cell phones away from them until morning. That prevents others from taking control from you. His loving grandfather John Frazier
TERRY ROGERS says
tO THAT PERSON WHO SAW HIM THERE SELLING DRUGS AS U SAY,, Y DIDNT U CALL THE COPS AND HAVE HIM ARRESTED HE STILL MIGHT BE HERE TODAY.. CASTINGS STONES……LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN ,,CAST THE 1ST STONE!!!!! DANA BRANNING
Sterling Westbrook says
We all love u stormy let me know if u need anything im here for u day and night i love u chica <3
concerned citizen says
THANK YOU BRIHANNA….EVERYONE IS SO WORRIED ABOUT HOW YOUNG PEOPLE LIVE THEIR LIVES, THEY ARE FORGETTING THAT THEY HAVE A MOTHER AND A FATHER. YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS TIL YOU’RE BLUE IN THE FACE ABOUT THE THINGS THEY ARE DOING WRONG IN THEIR LIVES, IT WON’T MAKE A BIT OF DIFFERENCE UNTIL THEY WANT TO DO BETTER…. THANK YOU FOR POINTING THAT OUT TO THE WRITERS……..AND I AGREE…”WHERE’S THE RESPECT FOR THE PARENTS”, SUPPOSE IT WAS YOUR CHILD, THEN WHAT……..WRITERS YOU NEED TO CHECK YOURSELVES BEFORE YOU PASS JUDGEMENT ON SOMEONE ELSE’S FAMILY MEMBER, I’M SURE YOU HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS OUT THERE DOING THINGS TOO, BUT HAVEN’T GOT CAUGHT.
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE PARENTS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS OF THIS YOUNG MAN. I PRAY GOD GIVES YOU STRENGTH TO MAKE IT THRU THIS TRAGIC LOSS…GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
concerned citizen says
ITS SUCH A TRAGIC WHEN WE LOSE A LOVED ONE. THE PAIN WILL NEVER GO AWAY….BUT WE KNOW GOD DOES NOT MAKE ANY MISTAKES IN THIS WORLD. WHETHER ITS GOOD OR BAD. GOD SAW FIT THAT IT WAS HIS TIME TO GO, AND WHEN ITS OUR TIME NOTHING CAN STOP THAT TRANSITION FROM IHAPPENING. WE ALL ARE GONNA LEAVE HERE ONE DAY, WHEN THAT DAY IS, NO ONE KNOWS BUT GOD…WE KNOW HOW WE COME HERE, BUT WE WILL NEVER KNOW HOW WE LEAVE HERE.
I LOST A CHILD IN A TRAGIC CAR ACCIDENT SOME YEARS AGO, AND THE PAIN IS STILL THERE. HE WAS A GOOD KID, FRESH OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL, NEVER HAD A CHANCE TO REALLY ENJOY LIFE. BUT GOD SAW FIT THAT IT WAS HIS TIME TO LEAVE THIS WORLD….I MISS MY CHILD EVERYDAY AND THE PAIN AND HURT FEELS JUST LIKE IT DID THE DAY IT HAPPENED. BUT I HAVE TO ASK GOD EVERYDAYTO GIVE ME STRENGTH TO MAKE IT TO THE NEXT DAY… SO IN SAYING THAT..IF YOU DON’T KNOW GOD YOU NEED TO GET TO KNOW GOD. SO WHEN TRAGIC OCCURS IN OUR LIVES, WE CAN CALL ON JESUS TO HELP US OUT. CALL ON JESUS, ROGERS FAMILY, CALL ON JESUS…AMEN
hm. says
him and his brother cj never had a chance, they lost respect from EVERYONE at a very early age. nobody deserves to die, but everything happens for a reason. he looked up to his troubled brother, causing him to follow in his path, the wrong path. it is a shame another life is lost. i agree with the saying the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree…him and his bro are FAR from innocent…
The Davis Family says
Gone Too Soon
This was a life that had hardly begun
No time to find your place in the sun
No time to do all you could have done
But we loved you enough for a lifetime.
No time to enjoy the world and its wealth
No time to take life down from the shelf
No time to sing the song of yourself
Though you had enough love for a lifetime.
Those who live long endure sadness and tears
But you’ll never suffer the sorrowing years
No betrayal, no anger, no hatred, no fears
Just love , only love , in your lifetime
Gone Too Soon by Mary Yarnall
Chuck, Terry, Becca, CJ- we love you and are here for you.
Matt, Julie & the Davis boys
good friend says
anthony was a good man and a great friend getting back on track you will be missed greatly, guide us in the right path ant you maybe gone but one thing is you will never b forgotten here in palm coast you had positive impacts and a heart made out of gold!
Anonymous says
there are no victims–only volunteers… r.i.p for this young person
Allen Lacy says
My heart goes out to Chuck and Terry. Anthony was a wonderful boy he will be missed dearly. hang in there chuck and terry, my prayers are with ya
Anonymous says
look he was my bother from a nutha mother i look up to him and how that hes gone i dont know what to do wretiling in the pool throing the food ball =[ we all miss him his brother cj is having a hard time to y him
Anonymous says
Is it true that there were two adults riding a bike beside these kids when this tragedy happened yet they left the scene because all of them were intoxicated and allegedly smoking crystal meth? If so, I wonder if they have considered that maybe this child could have been resuccitated or helped in some way, or maybe they could have helped and/or given moral support to this young lady as she lied injured in the woods? Would they have left their own daughter lying in the woods to die? Who purchased the drugs and alcohol that were in these kids systems? Whose motorcycle were they on? Who gave them the keys to it while they were under the influence at 2am? Wasn’t this the same little girl that was involved in the horrible truck accident a couple of years ago when they robbed another child at gunpoint at the bus stop? How old was she then? Where do her parents think she’s at in the middle of the night. She is only 17 for gods sake.
My heart breaks for the families of these two children! It seems to me that some adults need to be held accountable. Hopefully these questions are being forced down the throats of a criminal investigator and/or DCF!!! They certainly would be if my child were involved, I would spend my last breath and last dime to ensure they are held accountable and to keep them from influencing another child.
All of that said, to the parents of both children, my heart breaks for you and you are in my prayers. No parent should have to endure this! Parents certainly can not be held accountable for their children’s actions. Some parents try very hard to help there children but do not succeed. But when other adults contribute I certainly feel you owe it to your children to pursue it to the fullest extent!
Jason and Shanna Buie says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Ant’s loved ones!! We don’t care about his flaws for we all have them everyone of us.. we are not to judge that young man was a son, a brother a cousin and a friend. He will be sorely missed by many!!!! Hang in there Rogers family u will get through this!!!!
Initialjoe says
It is sad to hear about things like this. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Also, starting a flame war here is highly inappropriate…get over yerselves and get off your pedestal and worry about yourselves.
john frazier says
in regards to anonymous 4/11/12 the questions you ask are vary valid, and yes we understand that there were others there that night that ran from the scene. all the questions you bring forth are valid ones. Where is the investigation? I assure you Anthony was on no drugs that night.
john frazier says
the questions asked are very valid ones. and yes it is highly suspected that others were involved and left the scene of the accident. It is also true that if 911 was called immediately perhaps there would have been a different end to the tragedy. I can vouch that Anthony had no drugs in him that night. Those responsible should be under investigation. There are many rumors coming to light.
Danielle Weaver says
I’m still in shock, mostly since I was with you and Lauren just a few hours before this happened and we were all fine and dandy at the beach. You were a great person, no matter what you had done in the past, we all knew you were trying to straighten your life back out. I can’t even imagine how Lauren must feel right now. She love’s you so much, take care of her! Rest In Peace boy! <33
Anonymous says
Flaglerlive can we get an update on this case? Not sure if the accident scene is the same one of Matanzas that has a confederate flag (now tattered and destroyed, it was new on Tuesday?), a cross with a white sheet thrown over, some straw dolls, and other interesting and curious objects.
Anon says
It is terrible to hear what had happened to such a young life in Palm Coast, but let us learn from this boy. Learn not to be riding your motor cycle at 2:30 in the morning; learn that wearing a helmet just could have saved his life. I can’t imagian how the family is feeling though; having lost a son that meant the world to them. My prayers go out to his girlfriend, Lauren. She was in my math class in 8th grade and was a very sweet person, I hope she is recovering well. And to all of his friends and family, we are praying for you. I see a lot of people are looking at his past as being something they need to take into account; look I know where you’re coming from, but let us learn from this child. I hope people realize what a difference he made in Palm Coast to his friends and family, and can at least respect that.
Rebecca Branning says
Anthony iv known you forever and you will always be family to me you will never be forgotten me and aunt terry talk about you all the time and baby mya will always love you i miss you <3
anon says
I was a friend of ants and going back and reading some of these rude, inappropriate, disrespectful comments about him being a “thug” & how him and cj lost respect from everyone makes me so mad I dont know what to do with myself. I know its been three months since baby ant has passed but those rude people still need a wake up call.
People need to start showing more love and start to understand other peoples places and pain just like Ant did. The people who wrote those have NO IDEA what he or his brother had gone through and Im sure if you would have gone through those things you would have handled things 1000x worse.
RIP anthony dale rogers </3 you may be gone but NEVERRR forgotten!
Love & miss you more than ever!
Much love, Baby D
terry rogers says
to whoever said my brothers didnt have a chance?? how dare u be so unkind at such a bad time … just because my brother made mistakes does NOT MAKE HIM A BAD PERSON OR DESERVE DEATH.. ur a b****
Anonymous says
I miss em so much man it aint even funnny and my brotha was not fucking troubled he was fucking young! everyone makes mistakes..
Marco says
r.i..p ant