Law Enforcement FHP Investigates Two Hit and Run Deaths in Manatee County

BRADENTON – In the span of two days, two pedestrians have been fatally injured as the result of hit and run accidents in Manatee County. Police are asking anyone who may have any information as to the driver of the vehicles to come forward.

On Tuesday morning, a 52-year-old Sarasota man was killed on U.S. 41 when a vehicle hit him and drove away, leaving the pedestrian in the middle of the roadway, where a second car hit him. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the victim was walking on the shoulder of US 41 near 89th Street East in Palmetto when he was struck. The driver left without stopping and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Just past midnight on Monday, another pedestrian was fatally injured after being struck by a vehicle while walking along 51st Avenue East. The driver in that incident also fled. The victim died in a nearby ditch and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports.

The victims' identities are being withheld until next-of-kin are notified. FHP is asking anyone who may have witnessed either crash or has any knowledge as to the identity of the driver or the vehicle to contact Trooper Gerry Smith, crash investigator with the Florida Highway Patrol at 239-938-1800.