Hunter Walterman
•6/30/2026
CLEWISTON, Fla. (WINK)—State troopers are searching for a driver who hit and killed a pedestrian crossing U.S. 27 near Francisco Street early Sunday morning and left the scene.
The Florida Highway Patrol recovered a 1999 Ford Ranger in Osceola County Sunday night, just hours after the crash. Troopers say the vehicle hit the pedestrian at 2 a.m.
"Vehicle didn't even hesitate, just kept going on," said a Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson.
The victim was crossing the highway when the truck struck him. Troopers have not identified the victim because they don't want to jeopardize the investigation.
Edith Sanchez knew the victim, a family friend who always took time to greet people in the community. She placed flowers at the scene in his honor.
"He would literally take the time to walk to you and be like, God bless you, have a wonderful day," Sanchez said.
Sanchez said the way he died was difficult for the community to process.
"The way he died was just unbelievable," Sanchez said.
The victim was known around Clewiston for his kindness. Sanchez said he was someone who spread positivity wherever he went.
"He was just a kind soul walking around sharing love he had," Sanchez said. "I have so much respect for him, and now that he's gone, it's very impactful on everybody in this community."
Crime scene tape remained on the ground as the community began to mourn. A Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson said the driver broke fundamental rules of the road.
"The driver of that truck broke our golden rules," the spokesperson said.
The Highway Patrol is not sharing information about a suspect. Troopers say this is a fluid investigation.
"FHP does have the pickup truck in its possession," the spokesperson said.
WINK News sat down with investigators who say they received a significant break in the case when they located the vehicle halfway across the state.
