Family seeks answers 8 months after fatal hit-and-run

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Several months after a Jacksonville man was killed by a hit-and-run driver, his family still holds out hope that his killer will be caught.

Michael England, 25, was walking home eight months ago when he was hit on Pitts and Slay roads. That driver was never found.

Now, England mother spoke out Saturday, not only for her son, but for other victims of hit-and-runs.

"Many people see this as an unfortunate accident. I don't," said Bridget Massie. "If it was an accident, the driver would have stopped and called for help."

Massie wears a green ribbon in honor of her son's favorite color. As she put fresh flowers at the makeshift memorial where England died, Massie said it's hard to believe her son was killed in the same spot exactly eight months ago. 

Michael England

"He was the life of our house. He always kept us laughing," said Massie. "He was adventurous. You never knew what he was going to do next."

Since England's death, there have been several other hit-and-run crashes, many of which are still unsolved. Haley Smith, 15, was killed on Kenton Morrison road in St. Johns County. Days before that, Randy Mille was killed as he rode his bike along State Road 16. And one week ago, 19-year-old Christopher McDowell was killed on St. Johns Bluff Road as he walked home from the store.

"It breaks my heart because I know what they're going through," Massie said. "I go through it every day. I've been going through this for eight months."

All of the cases, including Michael's, are still open and are ongoing investigations. Anyone with any information on these accidents is asked to contact your local law enforcement.


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.