Fatal Hit-and-Run in Calhoun County Leaves 36-Year-Old Pedestrian Dead

A tragic hit-and-run accident early Wednesday morning in Calhoun County has left a 36-year-old man from Altoona dead, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Troopers say the driver responsible for the deadly collision fled the scene and remains at large.

The fatal crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. on NW Melvin New Grade Road, a rural stretch in Calhoun County. According to investigators, the victim was walking southbound along the roadway when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

The driver did not stop or render aid, continuing to flee the scene. A passing bystander later discovered the victim and called the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office for help.

Deputies arrived and confirmed that the pedestrian had died from his injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol was notified and has since taken over the investigation. Officials are urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver or vehicle involved to contact FHP or Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

This remains an active and ongoing criminal investigation.

Understanding Florida Hit-and-Run Laws

Under Florida Statute §316.027, it is a felony offense to leave the scene of a crash that results in injury or death. Drivers involved in such crashes are legally required to:

• Stop immediately at the scene.
• Render reasonable aid, including calling for emergency medical help.
• Provide identifying information to law enforcement.

If a driver flees after causing a fatal accident, they can face first-degree felony charges punishable by up to 30 years in prison, loss of license, and substantial fines.

Despite strict penalties, hit-and-run crashes remain alarmingly common in Florida. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that over 25% of all traffic crashes in the state involve a driver who flees the scene, often leaving victims without immediate help.

Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Hit-and-Run

When a pedestrian is killed by a negligent or reckless driver, their surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).

Even if the at-fault driver has not yet been located, families may still be eligible for financial recovery through:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If the victim or their household had car insurance with UM/UIM coverage, it may provide compensation even when the responsible driver is unidentified.
• Wrongful Death Lawsuits: Once the driver is identified, the family can file a civil claim for damages including:
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills before death
  • Loss of income and future support
  • Pain and suffering of surviving relatives
  • Loss of companionship and protection

It is essential to act quickly, as evidence from hit-and-run cases can disappear fast, and Florida law limits the time to file a wrongful death claim to two years from the date of death.

What to Do If a Loved One Is Killed in a Hit-and-Run

If your loved one has been the victim of a fatal hit-and-run crash in Florida, you should:

1. Report any new information to authorities – license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, or witness names can be critical.
2. Request the official crash report from FHP or the sheriff’s office.
3. Preserve any physical or digital evidence, such as dashcam footage or surveillance video.
4. Consult a wrongful death attorney to discuss your options for financial recovery.

An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation — including uninsured motorist policies, commercial vehicle liability coverage, or employer liability if the driver was working at the time of the crash.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have represented countless families across Florida who have lost loved ones in tragic, preventable crashes. Our firm is committed to uncovering the truth, holding negligent drivers accountable, and securing justice for victims.

We handle all costs upfront and only collect fees if we win your case. Our attorneys will work with investigators, reconstruct the accident, and pursue every legal avenue to ensure your family receives the compensation you deserve.

Our team proudly represents grieving families throughout Calhoun County and across Florida in wrongful death and hit-and-run cases — because no one should face this kind of loss alone.