Florida Mourns the Loss of 19-Year-Old Softball Star Kennedy Waymer

A Florida community is heartbroken over the death of Kennedy Waymer, a former high school softball standout and college athlete who passed away just 18 months after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.

Waymer, 19, died on October 14, 2025, according to WJXT-TV and First Coast News in Jacksonville. Her story has deeply touched her hometown, teammates, and the broader sports community across Florida.

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Diagnosed Days Before Graduation

Kennedy’s cancer journey began in April 2024, only days before her high school graduation. Known for her resilience and positivity, she underwent 19 rounds of chemotherapy and two lung surgeries during her fight against the disease. Despite the physical toll, Kennedy never lost her optimism.

Her parents, Ron and Sandra Waymer, described her as a bright light who inspired everyone around her:

“She was that happy-go-lucky kid, even when things weren’t going right for her; she’d always have a smile on her face,” they told First Coast News.

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A Scholar and Multi-Sport Athlete

Kennedy wasn’t just a talented softball player — she excelled in multiple sports, including basketball and volleyball, while maintaining an impressive 4.6 GPA. After high school, she attended the College of Coastal Georgia on a softball scholarship and was pursuing a pre-engineering degree.

Her former basketball teammate Sharla Adams remembered her as both a competitor and motivator:

“She’s one of the most hard-working people I’ve ever met. She kept me on track and made sure I stayed focused,” Adams shared with The Florida Times-Union.

Her coach Rod Carter echoed those sentiments, saying,

“She always rose to the occasion. She made everyone around her better by her example and drive.”

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The First Signs of Trouble

According to her high school softball coach Steve Brown, Kennedy began noticing problems with her throwing arm during spring 2024 practices.

“She could usually make the throw from centerfield to home plate with no problem,” Brown said. “But one day, she could barely get it to second base. That’s when we knew something was wrong.”

After consulting with trainers, Kennedy underwent medical tests that confirmed her diagnosis: osteosarcoma, a cancer that most often affects teenagers and young adults.

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A Fight Fueled by Courage and Faith

Kennedy’s treatment journey was marked by determination. Even during her toughest days, she stayed connected to her teammates and continued cheering for others from the sidelines.

Though her family believed she had beaten the disease, Kennedy learned last month that her cancer had returned.

Her father shared his faith through his grief:

“God gave her to us for 19 years, and God took her back,” Ron Waymer said.

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Honoring Kennedy’s Legacy

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 25, in Jacksonville, Florida, to honor Kennedy’s memory, athletic spirit, and kindness.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, grace, and courage young athletes can embody even in the face of unimaginable challenges.