RIVERVIEW, Fla. — Jason Webb and longtime girlfriend, Angel Torrey, were killed in a hit-and-run Saturday, leaving behind a 14-year-old daughter.
“Jason was a very, very sweet boy and he was my best friend," said Webb's mother, Kathie.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Benson Johnston, 34, attempted to turn left on U.S. 301 in Riverview when his Lexus SUV swerved into the path of Webb's motorcycle.
Troopers say Johnston ran away from the scene of the crash. Investigators later found him at his home less than a half mile away.
“Maybe he could have saved their life," said Webb. "No, he ran over my son."
Johnston remains in jail with no bond, facing several charges including two counts of DUI manslaughter and two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, and one count of driving under the influence (third violation).
According to state records, Johnston has been convicted of drunk driving twice before.
“He left them there to die and he’s going to have to live with that for the rest of his life, and I hope he’s remorseful," said Jack Conner.
Conner worked with Webb at Tampa-based Compressed Air Systems.
Despite holding a valid driver's license, Conner believes more should have been done to keep Johnston off the road.
“Seeing the systemic abuses, I just get angry," said Conner. "I look at the system and ask how this occurred.”
Family and friends are organizing a motorcycle ride in memory of Webb and Torrey Thursday night.
Management at Compressed Air Systems Inc. released the following statement to ABC Action News:
"Kerry “Jason” Webb was a member of the CAS family for 18 years. Jason always had a smile, loved what he did and cared for everyone around him. He was also incredibly committed to perfection, everything he was a part of was done with pride. He was also a big kid at heart, could always be counted on for a joke as well as a sympathetic ear. He loved his daughter and would spend every moment possible with her. Jason loved his motorcycle and the community around it. He truly felt like he belonged on the road with the men and woman who shared his passion. Jason’s passing will truly leave a hole in all our hearts. He will be sorely missed."
