Elbert Gilbert Clearwater, FL Car Accident: Family and Friends Mourn Hit-and-Run Victim

 CLEARWATER, FL — Authorities are investigating a fatal hit‑and‑run crash that claimed the life of Elbert Gilbert, 60, on Wednesday night along Gulf‑to‑Bay Boulevard, a busy east‑west roadway in Clearwater.

According to the Clearwater Police Department, Gilbert was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk around 9:30 p.m. when he was struck by a vehicle. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as possibly a red Ford Mustang from the 2020s with noticeable front‑end damage. The driver fled the scene immediately after the collision.

Gilbert was transported to a nearby hospital under a trauma alert but was later pronounced dead. His death has left family, friends, and the Clearwater community mourning the sudden loss of a man remembered for his presence and ties to the area.

Police have not yet identified the driver and are urging the public to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 727‑562‑4242. Authorities stressed that even small details, such as sightings of a damaged red Mustang, could prove crucial in locating the suspect.

The crash caused temporary traffic disruptions on Gulf‑to‑Bay Boulevard as emergency crews responded and investigators worked to gather evidence. The roadway has since reopened, but the incident has renewed calls for caution among both drivers and pedestrians.

Clearwater Police emphasized the importance of vigilance in high‑traffic areas, reminding residents and visitors to exercise caution when crossing busy streets. Pedestrian safety advocates note that marked crosswalks are designed to protect those on foot, but drivers must remain alert and yield appropriately to prevent tragedies.

Gilbert’s death adds to ongoing concerns about pedestrian fatalities in Florida, a state that consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for such incidents. Local leaders have called for stronger enforcement of traffic laws and greater public awareness campaigns to reduce risks on heavily traveled corridors like Gulf‑to‑Bay Boulevard.

Community members have already begun expressing grief and frustration over the hit‑and‑run. For Gilbert’s loved ones, the tragedy is compounded by the fact that the driver fled instead of stopping to render aid. Advocates stress that leaving the scene of a crash is not only illegal but also denies victims and families the immediate help they need.

As the investigation continues, police remain committed to finding the driver responsible. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras, hoping to identify the suspect vehicle. The public’s assistance is expected to play a key role in solving the case.

For Clearwater, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers pedestrians face even in designated crosswalks. Gilbert’s death underscores the need for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, and for communities to continue pushing for safer streets.

More US Obituary

1. What Happened to Casey Lykins? Tragic Trenton, Ohio House Fire Turns Fatal

2. Breaking Update: 18-Year-Old Evan Gingo Dies in Car Accident, Investigation Ongoing