Driver identified in fatal Baldwin Co. hit-and-run

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - Alabama State Troopers said a man riding a bicycle along County Road 28 was hit and killed overnight Sunday, October 14. His body was discovered Monday morning by a passing motorist.

Late Monday afternoon, state troopers said they detained a juvenile, who was driving a red 1999 Saturn, along State Route 59 in Foley.

Troopers said the juvenile was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide and was taken to the Baldwin County Youth Center.

The accident claimed the life of 53-year-old Robin Hawke of Marlow.

Hawke's landlord said he spoke to him shortly before the accident.

“About 6 o'clock Rob came over and asked if I'd loan him a light to go on his bike, so he could go over to the four-way and get him something to eat,” said Joel Smith.

Smith said he gave Hawke an LED necklace light, which Hawke fashioned to his bicycle’s handlebars.

Hawke didn't make it to the four way stop, where county roads 9 and 32 meet.

Troopers said they were called out Monday morning to a ditch along County Road 28, where Hawke was found dead.

“I said, 'Do not go out there,' and he was road wise. He's been out on that road a lot of times so it's a pretty treacherous road,” said Smith.

Hawke's friends remember him as a hard worker, willing to help anyone.

They gathered Monday afternoon, next to the site where his body was found.

“It's a huge loss. A very good friend of mine, we worked together on a lot of projects,” said Dave, one of Hawke’s co-workers.

One man says Hawke had been run off the road by drivers twice in the last week.

“Hit his handle bars and knocked him off the road and he got back on his feet, back on his bike. Go on about his business,” said another friend who wished to remain anonymous.

The landlord said Hawke always wore a reflective vest when he rode his bike, day or night.