Florida walk-on killed in accident

GAINESVILLE - Michael Guilford, a redshirt-freshman walk-on, was killed in a motorcyle accident early Friday morning.

Guilford, 19, was a native of Quincy who graduated from Blountstown High.

Guilford was driving the 1998 Kawasaki, and fellow UF student Ashley E. Slonina, 20, was riding with him when when they hit a median at SW 23rd Terrace and Old Archer Road at about 1 a.m.

According to Gainesville police, Guilford and Slonina, who were traveling about 25-30 mph over the speed limit, were ejected and died instantly.

Neither was wearing a helmet.

Nicknamed "Sunshine'', Guilford played defensive back and was a Social and Behavioral Sciences major.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Michael Guilford,’’ Florida coach Urban Meyer said in a statement. “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. We pray that God's blessing be with Michael’s family, friends and teammates during this sad and difficult time.”

Comments

[dcw]

What happened to the female? I know she wasn't on the team but I think folks are concerned about her as well.

[just me]

I guess they didn't give a crap about her!!

[Tony]

Seriously, what happened to Ashley? What a crap report!

[Frank]

She died as well, but I guess since she wasn't affiliated with the UF football team they don't need to include such a detail. How disgusting. See the Gainesville Sun's website for the full detail on the two tragic deaths.

[kerry]

Do we not read? It states in the last line of the third paragraph that she was also killed......

[DR]

Slonina, from Lynn Haven, also died in the accident. Its in the story if you read it correctly.

It clearly states "she also died"

[Gee]

Did you guys not read the article - she died too.

[watata]

seems like these UF people can't seem to stay out of trouble. ever.

UF needs to lower its profile a little. it's getting old.

[Richard]

Anyone who rides on a "donor"cycle without having the common sense to wear the best helmet or "brain" bucket that can be obtained has a death wish and wishes to serve their fellow man with organ donations so that those who wish to continue the gift of life can.

I am not calloused but have experienced the consequences of foolish choices from both perspectives and I think it has only increased my wisdom, that I am trying to share.

[Bill]

Pretty pathetic comments.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families.

[just me]

I'm sure he was weaving in & out of traffic too...just like all of the other ones, who think that they have 9 lives!!

[Jeff]

This is tragic and the reporting is just terrible. No regard for the young woman who also died.

[cb550]

you people are idiots. do you know how to read?

He and fellow UF student Ashley E. Slonina, 20, were riding on a motorcycle - without helmets - when they hit a median at SW 23rd Terrace and Old Archer Road at about 1 a.m. Slonina, from Lynn Haven, also died in the accident.

[Elisabeth]

It's possible an earlier version of the article didn't have the details about the girl. Calm down everyone.

[Joe]

I believe the first version did not include detail about Ashley, thus (some) understanding about earlier posts. This is tragic - even if they were not wearing helmets. Hope the callous remarks are removed.

Ashley was a beautiful, extremely popular girl in high school.

[just me]

Thank you!!

The earlier version..didn't have the part about the girls death, you morons!!!

Why else would we say what we did??? Supid,stupid,stupid!!!

[Stacey]

Obviously everyone reading this is from UF... If you knew how to read, you would see that in paragraph three, it says she "died also".

[Jeremy]

Ashley's Brother:
Ashley was killed instantly. She was loved by many and will be missed by many more. I appreciate the decent comments that some of you have put. I also ride bikes and DO NOT condone not wearing a helmet, but we have all done stupid things before that we have gotten a second chance to rectify. In this case neither Ashley or the driver were given this chance. Can we please try to keep this clean and if you feel the need to put a derogatory comment up, ask yourself if you would write that about your little sister. Thanks to all for the prayers and thoughts in this time of need for my family and myself.

Jeremy

[Steve, Boulder, CO]

Jeremy -

thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, no answers to this tragedy.
I used today's story to impress upon my kids how fragile life is and that they need to think twice about choices made. I recall riding a cycle at UF at 1 am with a girl, no helmets, and we were doing the same stupid things but it happens, so I say I am truly sorry for such a hard loss. I hope the boy's family holds up.

[Beverly]

Ashley was a beautiful and sweet girl. She was a good friend of our daughters and she will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with both families

[Matt]

Jeremy,

I've known your sister since 7th grade back at Mowat Middle School. If you recall she dated a Jeremy Rosamond back then, whom I was good friends with. I remember the days when your great mother would bring everyone chik-fil-a for lunch. I am sincerely sorry for your family's loss and we send our prayers to both families. As Ashley has touched many people, she will always be loved and never forgotten.

Sincerely,
Matt

[dave]

now some UF football player is charged with using the dead girl's credit card. LOL, bunch of apes. Figures its a jigaboo

I miss her... nothing else matters... I just miss my Slo. I know everyone else does too. The ones who never knew her... missed out.
We love you *Slo*
-Jocelyn-