Father of Three Killed During Florida Sea to Sea Adventure Race Slated to Finish in St. Augustine

A 41-year-old married father of three tragically lost his life Friday after being struck by a vehicle while competing in a multi-day endurance race across Florida.

Jason Schmidt, of South Carolina, was participating as a solo racer in the Sea to Sea Adventure Race, a navigation-based expedition spanning hundreds of miles and scheduled to conclude in St. Augustine.

According to authorities and race organizers, Schmidt was riding his bike on course when he was involved in a fatal vehicle collision.

The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.

Event producer Warrior Adventure Racing confirmed the fatal incident in an official statement and announced that the race was stopped immediately following the crash.

“Warrior Adventure Racing confirms that a solo participant in today’s Sea to Sea Adventure Race was involved in a fatal vehicle accident. The race has been stopped effective immediately. Emergency services responded to the scene, and we are fully cooperating with local authorities as they conduct their investigation.”

All remaining competitors were removed from the course. Participants were gathered at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park before being transported to the finish area in St. Augustine.

Authorities have not publicly released the exact location of the crash, only confirming that it occurred while Schmidt was actively on the race course.

The Sea to Sea Adventure Race is an endurance event requiring participants to navigate across varied terrain, including:

• Forest trails
• Rural roadways
• Rivers and waterways
• Mountain biking segments

Because portions of these races can occur on open or shared roadways, they may involve interaction with vehicle traffic depending on route design and safety controls.

Legal Considerations in Endurance Race Bicycle Fatalities

When a cyclist is struck by a vehicle during an organized endurance event, several legal questions may arise, including:

• Whether the driver was negligent
• Whether adequate safety measures were in place along the route
• Whether traffic control or race signage was sufficient
• Whether route selection exposed participants to unreasonable roadway hazards

Under Florida law, drivers owe a duty of care to cyclists. Bicyclists generally have the same rights as motorists when traveling on public roadways.

In fatal crash cases, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence contributed to the collision.

Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Emotional pain and suffering

If event organization or roadway conditions played a contributing role, additional legal considerations may arise.

Remembering Jason Schmidt

Schmidt is survived by his wife, Liz, and their three children.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his family, where loved ones described him as:

“A charismatic dreamer, visionary, and lifelong seeker of new and uncharted experiences… his spirit is too big to be bound by words.”

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal crash.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a similar bicycle or roadway accident, contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.