CLEWISTON- An 18-year-old high school senior tragically died in a car accident one day before his high school graduation ceremony.

Those who knew Julian Avalo, said he worked very hard to graduate from Clewiston High School, and was excited to get to walk across the stage for his diploma. His father, Carlos Avalo, walked the stage in his son’s honor.

“Today was his day. He made it. We were very proud of his accomplishments. He did it. He was real happy to graduate, and he was so excited. He was looking forward to it, and I couldn’t miss that for him,” said Carlos.

Florida Highway Patrol reported Julian Avalo was driving on Flaghole Road, on Thursday, May 13, 2021, when he lost control of his car and collided with a semi. It was raining when the crash occurred.

Avalo is remembered as a brave, hardworking, fighter who was very loved by his community. Due to being on dialysis, Julian was homeschooled during some of his high school career, but a kidney transplant allowed him to return to classes. He was the recipient of a kidney transplant who had struggled through so much, but his friends and family said, he was always smiling

“He never complained, never gave up,” Carlos said. “He just smiled all the time.”

The principal of Clewiston High School, Phil Summers described Julian as someone who always did the right thing. He also said Julian was a member of the Spanish Club and a volunteer with the fire program.

Classmates held a vigil for Julian on Thursday. His friends said they plan to work together to keep Avalo’s memory alive.

Alan Jay Dealership of Clewiston was at the CHS graduation ceremony, donating a car to another hardworking student. When they learned of Julian’s death the company announced it will also donate $1,000 toward Avalo's funeral services.

The senior who was awarded the car was given the choice of taking $10,000 cash instead. She decided on the cash and donated it to Julian Avalon's family as well.