Driver Sought After Grandfather Killed in Fort Lauderdale Hit-and-Run

Fort Lauderdale police are searching for the driver responsible for a deadly hit-and-run that claimed the life of a 70-year-old grandfather Monday night, leaving a family and community devastated and demanding answers.

According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the fatal hit-and-run occurred at approximately 8:00 p.m. on West Sunrise Boulevard near Northwest 5th Avenue.

The victim was later identified by family members as Johnnie Davis, a 70-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident. Police said Davis was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene without stopping to render aid, a serious felony under Florida law.

Investigators believe the vehicle involved may be a white pickup truck, though the exact make and model have not yet been confirmed. The investigation remains active.

Davis’ family arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, struggling to process the sudden loss. His daughter, Jazzlynn Simmons, told NBC6 that the family lives across the street and had seen him just an hour earlier.

Simmons said her own daughter was the one who discovered her grandfather lying in the roadway.

“My daughter was like, ‘Wow, I wonder if that can be my grandpa?’ And when she came down here, it was exactly her grandpa, my father, dead,” Simmons said. “I just want justice for my father, and I wish someone would come forward.”

Neighbors and local business owners described Davis as a kind, familiar presence in the area. One nearby shop employee said Davis was a friendly senior who frequented the neighborhood and did not deserve to be left alone in the roadway after being struck.

Hit-and-run crashes often result in more severe or fatal injuries because victims are denied immediate medical assistance. Under Florida law, drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death are legally required to stop, provide aid, and contact emergency services.

Failing to do so can lead to serious criminal charges, including:

• Leaving the scene involving death (a first-degree felony)
• License revocation
• Significant prison time

In many cases, surveillance footage, traffic cameras, vehicle debris, and witness statements play a crucial role in identifying fleeing drivers.

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

Families who lose a loved one in a hit-and-run may have multiple legal avenues available, even if the driver has not yet been identified.

Potential claims may include:

• Wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver once identified
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims through the victim’s auto insurance
• Claims for funeral and burial expenses
• Compensation for loss of companionship, support, and services
• Mental pain and suffering under the Florida Wrongful Death Act

Early legal involvement is critical to preserving evidence and ensuring all available insurance coverage is identified.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Hit-and-Run Victims’ Families

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in tragic, preventable crashes, including hit-and-run fatalities throughout Broward County and South Florida.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing families direct access to experienced wrongful death attorneys—not case managers. Our firm acts quickly to:

• Coordinate independent investigations
• Work with law enforcement and investigators
• Identify surveillance and traffic camera footage
• Analyze insurance coverage options
• Protect families from insurance company pressure

Families pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation.

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run that killed Johnnie Davis is urged to contact Fort Lauderdale Police at 954-828-5726. Even small details could help bring accountability and closure to the family.

If your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Fort Lauderdale, you do not have to face this painful process alone. Understanding your legal rights now can make a meaningful difference for your family’s future.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We proudly represent families throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and all of South Florida.