JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police are searching for the driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash Sunday night on State Road A1A in Mayport, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
A man, later identified as James Garuti, 55, was walking along A1A about 10 p.m. when he was fatally struck, police said. He died at the scene.
Witnesses told police that they saw the driver of a gray SUV leave the scene, heading southbound on A1A.
Stephanie Moreno said she was one of several women who jumped into action after the crash and performed CPR to try to save Garuti's life.
"It was really tough. We spent a lot of time with him. We didn't give up and they told us it was the right thing to do," Moreno told News4Jax on Monday. "It was really kind of sad that we couldn't do anything else for him."
She said the images of the Garuti's wife and children at the scene continue to play in her head, but what's more upsetting is that drivers aren't taking responsibility.
Moreno, who is the mother of daughter in middle school, said the road is heavily traveled by bikers, pedestrians and children, and hopes Sunday's crash will be a wake-up call.
"I think the city has a role, but I also think the community has a role. There is a reason there is a speed limit. There is a reason there's a stoplight," she said. "If you don't obey the traffic rules and cause accidents, it's not fair. I know we all have somewhere to be, but we need to slow down just a little bit."
Traffic homicide detectives continue to investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.