Michael A. Crabtree dies in fatal Downtown Atlanta hit-and-run

Michael A. Crabtree dies in fatal Downtown Atlanta hit-and-run

Fatal Downtown Atlanta hit-and-run death of Michael A. Crabtree – Obituary

Michael A. Crabtree, a 71-year-old man from Alabama, died after being struck by a vehicle while walking through a Downtown Atlanta crosswalk this past Sunday. The Fulton County Medical Examiner confirmed his identity on Tuesday, stating he died from widespread blunt force injuries.

The deadly incident occurred around 6:44 a.m. at the intersection of Peachtree Street NW and Baker Street NW. According to Atlanta police, Crabtree was using the crosswalk when he was hit by a black sedan that fled the scene without stopping.

This tragedy marks the second pedestrian fatality within a two-block span on Peachtree Street in just three months. Back in February, 67-year-old Pradeep Sood also died in a similar crash nearby.

John Fischer, president of the Atlanta Downtown Neighborhood Association, voiced frustration over the ongoing danger, emphasizing that such fatalities should not be happening on one of the city’s most prominent streets.

City officials noted that Peachtree Street has a history of high crash rates. A previous pedestrian safety effort known as the Shared Streets project was launched in 2021 but was discontinued by 2022. Despite past improvements, local leaders are now considering reinstating safety measures.

The Atlanta Department of Transportation has formed a Fatal Crash Review Commission to analyze such incidents and recommend changes to prevent future tragedies. They stated that public meetings will be held before implementing new safety enhancements.

Police say the investigation into Crabtree’s death is still ongoing, and they continue searching for the driver responsible.