Coffee County Hit-and-Run Leaves One Dead, Investigation Ongoing

COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. – A fatal hit-and-run accident on GA-135 near Gaskin Spring Road has claimed the life of a man, with Georgia State Patrol (GSP) actively investigating the case. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, Sept. 23, is the second deadly hit-and-run in South Georgia within just three days, sparking concerns in the local community.

According to the GSP, troopers were called to the scene early Tuesday morning, Sept. 24, at around 5:47 a.m. after the body of the victim was discovered at approximately 4:15 a.m. Although the victim was found in the early hours of Tuesday, the GSP believes the accident occurred the previous evening around 8 p.m., leaving a critical gap in the timeline that investigators are working to close.

The victim has been identified as Cecile Howard, a resident of Jeff Davis County. Authorities report that after striking Howard, the driver fled the scene, prompting an extensive search for the vehicle involved. Hours later, the vehicle was located within Coffee County, though no information has been released regarding the driver or any potential charges. GSP Trooper Bristol confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on gathering more details about the circumstances leading to the accident.

This hit-and-run follows closely on the heels of a similar incident in Mitchell County on Sunday, Sept. 22, where a man was fatally struck outside his home. The proximity of these two tragedies has left the South Georgia community reeling, with both cases raising questions about road safety and accountability for hit-and-run drivers.

Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the Coffee County incident to come forward. GSP has stressed the importance of community cooperation in these investigations, as even small details could help lead to a resolution and provide closure for the families affected by these tragedies.

As the investigation continues, the death of Cecile Howard serves as a painful reminder of the dangers present on the roads. The GSP remains committed to bringing justice to Howard’s family while working to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Residents are being reminded to stay vigilant, drive responsibly, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.