Nephew of man hit, killed in wheelchair offers no mercy to driver

Small, gray SUV seen speeding away, police say

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A family in Northwest Jacksonville is pleading for answers after their loved one, who was in a wheelchair, was hit by an SUV and left for dead.

Howard McKnight was killed Wednesday morning in a hit-and-run near the intersection of Golfair Boulevard and Moncrief Road.

"Whoever did it, I want you to know that it's not over. I hope you don't sleep good at night," said Lawrence Wright, McKnight's nephew. "I hope you feel the same pain we feel. Every time you close your eyes, I hope you see his face in that wheelchair when you hit him. I hope it just eats you up."

McKnight was hit by the driver of a gray SUV, traveling east on Golfair Avenue, Jacksonville police said. The driver never stopped.

McKnight was taken to the hospital with injuries described as life-threatening, and later died.

"What happened -- it shouldn't have happened," Wright said. "Get out and call 911 whether it's your fault or not. Don't leave him there."

The Northside Coalition, a Jacksonville based advocacy group, has been fighting for more road signs and lighting throughout the city. Ben Frazier, the group’s president, said the city is not “pedestrian friendly.”

"How many people have to die before we recognize it’s time for Jacksonville to establish a meaningful and substantial plan to address this major issue," Frazier said.

Wright said he and his family will fight for answers until they learn who took the life of their loved one.

"We are not just going to lay him to rest and say this is over," Wright said. "We will lay him to rest and continue seeking justice."

Anyone with information about the driver of the SUV is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.