Run Honors Phoebe Jonchuck's Life

TAMPA, FL — Phoebe Jonchuck was just 5 years old when her life came to an abrupt end on Jan. 8, 2015.

A St. Petersburg Police officer watched helplessly as her father, John Jonchuck, 26, allegedly threw the child into the chilly water below the Dick Misener Bridge. While John was charged in the case, he was found unfit to stand trial. He now resides in a state mental institution.

As the one-year anniversary of the child’s death arrives, former Army Ranger Alex Estrella is taking a stand to honor her memory. He’s kicking off a three-day fundraiser to benefit Shriners Hospital for Children-Tampa. Starting Friday, he plans to run continuously between the Shriners’ Tampa location to Pier 60 in Clearwater to inspire donations to the nonprofit hospital dedicated to caring for children with orthopaedic and neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Each leg of the journey is 17 miles.

See Also:

• Man Accused of Throwing Daughter Off Bridge Ruled Incompetent
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• ‘He’s Out of His Mind,’ Says Attorney for Dad Accused of Throwing Child from Bridge
• Officer Tried to Stop Man Accused of Throwing Child Over Skyway
• Dad Accused of Throwing Daughter From Bridge Had Lengthy Criminal History

Estrella didn’t know Phoebe or her family, but the child’s story touched his heart.

“Believe me, if I know about heaven, Phoebe will be happy to know that she is going to continue helping other children because of what happened to her,” Bay News 9 quoted him as saying.

Estrella plans to begin his run at 12:30 p.m. Friday and will run back and forth continuously through Sunday.

Estrella’s run is meant to keep Phoebe’s memory alive, not mark her death, the Shriners’ website explains. 

To donate to the effort, visit Shriners online. The goal is set at $5,000.