The Highway Patrol has identified the victim of a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred overnight on Old Maplehurst Road near Highway 53, just outside of Jacksonville. Authorities confirmed that the deceased is 41-year-old Michael Morrow, a resident of Jacksonville.
According to the Highway Patrol, Morrow was walking from a nearby Speedway on Highway 53 when he was struck by a vehicle. His body was later discovered in a ditch along the road. Investigators reviewed camera footage from a nearby business, which showed that the incident took place around 11:00 p.m.
Footage revealed that a white GMC extended cab pickup truck was traveling along Maplehurst Road at the time of the accident. The video also captured the truck pulling into a small appliance business, where the driver exited the vehicle and walked around it before leaving the scene. The truck was last seen turning left at the stoplight onto Highway 53.
Authorities are seeking information from the public regarding this fatal crash. Anyone with details about the incident or the vehicle involved is urged to contact the Highway Patrol at 910-347-1751. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to identify the driver responsible for the hit-and-run.