Authorities have identified the victim of a tragic hit-and-run crash that occurred Wednesday night on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard as Elbert Gilbert, 60, of Clearwater

Authorities have identified the victim of a tragic hit-and-run crash that occurred Wednesday night on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard as Elbert Gilbert, 60, of Clearwater. The incident has left family members, friends, and the wider Clearwater community mourning the sudden loss of a life taken far too soon.

According to officials, the crash happened along one of the area’s busiest corridors, a stretch of roadway familiar to countless residents and commuters. What began as an ordinary evening ended in heartbreak, as Mr. Gilbert was struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene, leaving him critically injured. Despite emergency response efforts, he was later pronounced deceased.

Elbert Gilbert was more than a name in a report—he was a member of this community, a neighbor, a friend, and a loved one. Those who knew him describe a man who carried years of experience, stories, and connections built over a lifetime in Clearwater. His death has created a deep sense of loss, not only for those closest to him, but also for a city grappling with yet another reminder of the dangers faced by pedestrians and motorists alike.

The circumstances surrounding the crash have intensified calls for accountability and awareness. Hit-and-run incidents leave families with unanswered questions and compound grief with frustration and anger. Authorities continue to investigate the case and are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could help bring clarity and justice.

As the investigation continues, community members are coming together to honor Mr. Gilbert’s memory and to support his loved ones during this painful time. Vigils, messages of condolence, and shared remembrances reflect a collective desire not only to mourn, but also to ensure that his life is not reduced to a statistic.

This tragic loss serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of responsibility behind the wheel and compassion for one another on the road. For the Gilbert family, however, it is a deeply personal loss—one that words cannot fully capture.

Elbert Gilbert’s life mattered. He will be remembered by those who knew him, and his memory will endure in the hearts of a community that now carries the weight of his absence.