Accident – Death – Obituary News : The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking assistance from the public in gathering information about two fatal hit-and-run accidents that took place in Marion County earlier this month.
**First Accident**
The initial hit-and-run collision occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 16. A 35-year-old man was riding his bicycle on County Road 314 (Sharpes Fairy Road), east of NE 68th Court. He was traveling within the westbound travel lane ahead of an SUV.
As the SUV approached the intersection, the front section of the vehicle collided with the bicyclist, causing him to be thrown from his bicycle and come to a rest within the roadway. Tragically, the man was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The identity of the victim has not been disclosed by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The SUV involved in the incident fled the scene, leaving investigators to determine that it is a 2010-2015 Chevrolet Equinox SUV. Vehicle parts found at the scene helped identify the make and model of the vehicle.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Corporal Brett Detweiler at 352-512-6644 or dial *FHP (*347) on your cellphone.
**Second Accident**
The second hit-and-run crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 18. A vehicle was traveling on County Road 25A (NW Gainesville Road), approximately 0.3 miles north of NW 100th Place in Ocala. At the same time, a 47-year-old man from Ocala was positioned in the area of the roadside and east shoulder of County Road 25A.
The man was walking within the roadway when the front right side of the vehicle struck him, causing fatal injuries. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and fled the scene. Parts of the vehicle found near the crash site identified it as a dark gray 2007-2009 Acura MDX SUV with noticeable damage to the right, front section.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Corporal Justin Bard at 352-512-6643 or dial *FHP (*347) on their cellphone.
These tragic incidents highlight the importance of staying at the scene of an accident and providing assistance to those in need. The Florida Highway Patrol is working diligently to bring justice to the victims and their families, but they need the public’s help to piece together what happened. If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward and assist in these investigations. Your cooperation could make a significant difference in bringing closure to those affected by these senseless tragedies..