On July 2, 2026, news broke about a significant development in Dixie County. David Coffey, a 69-year-old man, was arrested after more than two and a half years following a fatal hit-and-run incident. The tragic event took place back in October 2023, when Coffey struck a 42-year-old pedestrian on Northeast 316th Avenue in Old Town and fled the scene, leaving the victim to die on the spot. The arrest stemmed from a warrant issued for Coffey’s apprehension, and the community is left reeling from the long delay in justice.
Hit-and-run accidents, unfortunately, are not an isolated issue in Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) had previously highlighted another tragic incident in Dixie County, where a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run just before 1 a.m. on a Tuesday night. This pedestrian was found on the southern lane of U.S. 19 near Northeast 446th Street and was pronounced dead at the scene. In both cases, the respective drivers chose to flee rather than take responsibility—a heartbreaking reality that leaves victims’ families grappling with loss and unanswered questions. The investigation into that incident is ongoing, with troopers urging witnesses to come forward with any information or video evidence that could help identify the responsible driver. You can read more about that case here.
The Impact of Hit-and-Run Incidents
The statistics surrounding hit-and-run accidents in Florida are staggering. Nearly 25% of all traffic crashes in the state are classified as hit-and-runs, and in 2023 alone, there were 104,273 such incidents. These accidents resulted in 271 fatalities, with a significant portion involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. In fact, 76% of fatalities in hit-and-run crashes involved these vulnerable groups, highlighting a grave concern for community safety.
Florida law has strict mandates regarding these incidents. Drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death are legally obligated to stop and provide assistance or at least share their identity. The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, which took effect in 2014, has raised penalties for those who leave the scene of a fatal crash. Under this law, a driver can face a mandatory minimum of four years in prison if they flee after causing a death. It’s a tough stance, but one that reflects the seriousness of these offenses. The consequences for hit-and-run drivers can be severe: from fines and prison time to losing their driving privileges for years.
As the community grapples with the recent arrest of Coffey and the ongoing investigations into other incidents, it’s clear that the issue of hit-and-runs is far from resolved. The emotional toll on families affected by these accidents is immense, and the need for accountability is more pressing than ever. If you have information about any hit-and-run incidents, you’re encouraged to contact the FHP at FHP (347) or call Florida Crime Stoppers anonymously at TIPS (8477). The hope is that by raising awareness and encouraging reporting, we can reduce the number of these tragic accidents on our roads.