Clearwater, Florida, is grieving the sudden loss of Elbert Gilbert, 60, who was killed Wednesday night in a hit-and-run along the busy Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The tragedy has left family, friends, and the local community shaken, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.
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 reported that the suspect vehicle may have been a red Ford Mustang from the 2020s with visible front-end damage. The driver fled the scene immediately following the collision.
Gilbert was transported under a trauma alert to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead, leaving a community in mourning. Police have not yet identified the driver and are urging anyone with information—especially regarding sightings of a damaged red Mustang—to contact 727‑562‑4242. Authorities emphasized that even small details could be critical in locating the suspect.
The crash temporarily disrupted traffic along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard as emergency crews responded and investigators gathered evidence. While the roadway has since reopened, the incident has renewed calls for caution among both pedestrians and drivers in high-traffic areas.
Pedestrian safety advocates noted that while crosswalks are intended to protect those on foot, drivers must remain vigilant and yield appropriately. Gilbert’s death serves as a reminder that even marked crosswalks cannot prevent all tragedies, particularly when drivers fail to follow the rules of the road.
Local leaders have highlighted the broader context: Florida consistently ranks among the highest states for pedestrian fatalities, and this latest incident underscores the need for stricter traffic enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and safer infrastructure along heavily traveled corridors like Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.
Community members have expressed grief and frustration over the hit-and-run, with many emphasizing the added pain caused by the driver fleeing instead of providing assistance. Investigators are reviewing traffic cameras and surveillance footage from nearby businesses as part of their ongoing efforts to identify the suspect vehicle.
Elbert Gilbert will be remembered by his loved ones and the Clearwater community for his ties to the area and the positive impact he made. His death is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance on both sides of the street and the urgent need for safer conditions for pedestrians.