David Kirkland Killed in Hit-and-Run on Highway 6 in Hitchcock, TX
Hitchcock, TX -- June 11, 2021, David Kirkland was struck and killed by a vehicle near the Bostonian Inn Motel on Highway 6 in Hitchcock.
Authorities say the incident happened Friday at the motel on the 9100 block of Highway 6, near Amber Drive. Preliminary investigation suggests only that 47-year-old Kirkland was in the driveway of the business when he was hit by a passing vehicle, believed to be a 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, grey or silver in color, with heavy front-right end damage. Reports indicate the vehicle did not stop at the scene; a possible witness in another vehicle briefly stopped and engaged their hazard lights, then reportedly drove away without offering or calling for help.
Kirkland was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are still investigating the incident and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact them.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on David Kirkland Accident in Hitchcock
It's shameful and hugely frustrating when incidents like this occur. Obviously, tracking down the suspect and finding out why they left the scene are important going forward, so it's vital that police remain diligent and community members come forward with any information they can provide to help apprehend the driver. So far there are few leads on the suspect's whereabouts, but it's at least somewhat heartening that authorities have an approximate year, make, and model of vehicle to search for. Moreover, if a possible witness stopped before leaving the scene, perhaps they'll have a change of heart and contact the police--at least anonymously--to provide some useful intel.
Ultimately I have faith that the suspect will be apprehended. Once that's done there are clearly some questions to ask--among them what made them leave the scene and abandon a dying victim (a harsh action deserves harsh language). Investigators most often find people flee from crashes because they have something to hide--active warrants, a stolen vehicle, or illegal contraband, just to name a few. Most commonly of all, though, they learn the driver was intoxicated and fled rather than be found drunk at the wheel. If that's the case in Hitchcock, authorities should also find out where the alcohol came from in case a local business violated dram shop law with reckless over-service, thereby setting the stage for the tragedy that followed.
That's getting ahead of ourselves a little, though. First comes finding the runaway car and driver. The best chance of locating them rests with the local community. Simply keeping any details and developments in the public eye often leads to someone connecting the dots and helping to identify the suspect. It may take some time if police don't have much to go on currently, but if they keep at it there is often a positive resolution. For instance, in another county a sports car recently hit a child in a crosswalk and fled, only for the driver to be arrested across the country a few weeks later.
Once the suspect is in custody and more is learned about their decision to flee, further considerations about consequences can begin and plans can be made about how best to help the victim's loved ones.
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