FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- A man is dead and the search for the driver continues following a hit-and-run collision at 14th Street and Grand Avenue that happened Wednesday night (Feb. 14).
The pedestrian has been identified by police as 55-year-old Jeffrey Campbell of Quinton, Oklahoma. He was in Fort Smith visiting a friend.
Campbell's family said he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at UAMS in Little Rock about 4:30 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 15). His family said he had sustained irreversible brain damage and bleeding.
His sister Genea Bohanan said, "I don’t know what to say right now other than I would like answers on how and why this happened. I know nothing like everyone else. To hit someone and run makes it kind of suspicious to me in my opinion."
Campbell's best friend, Autumn Adcock said, "God works in mysterious ways... I have known Jeff my whole life. He was like an uncle to me. He could always find a way to make you laugh. He has had his ups and downs, but he has always been kind and generous, and would go out of his way to help anyone that needed it: he proved it that night. Fly high Jeff Campbell. You will be missed. Rest In Peace..."
Investigators said Campbell was retrieving a ball for children who were playing at a church when it rolled into the street.
Witnesses said the suspect drove away form the scene after running over Campbell.
Officers said the vehicle they are searching for is a black or dark-colored SUV or van, and the make and model have not been released at this time. Police said the vehicle should have damage to the front, passenger side of the vehicle.
Officers said they are currently in the process of obtaining surveillance video that could show the hit-and-run.
"We do have some evidence that we collected from the scene. I would urge them to turn themselves in because if it were their family member they would want to know how it happened and why," Rice said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Fort Smith police at 709-5100 or River Valley Crimestoppers at 78-CRIME (782-7463).
This is a developing story.
