NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Nashville family is grieving the loss of their loved one after a hit-and-run crash claimed his life last week.

Nicholas Leonhardt, 28, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was struck while crossing Fourth Avenue South early Thursday morning. 

His mother, Tami Leonhardt, said the crash has left their family living through a nightmare.

“It’s been a week, last Thursday was when we got the phone call that no parent ever can imagine getting,” she said.

Police said the driver, George Henein, fled the scene, but has since been arrested. He turned himself in approximately five hours after the crash.

A colleague walking with Nicholas stayed by his side until emergency crews arrived. He was placed on life support, but did not survive.

Tami described her son as generous, funny, and a dog lover. She said she was moved to learn he had registered as an organ donor, a decision that will now help save lives in Tennessee, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

“We were blown away this morning when we looked at some of the tributes coming in,” she said. “Ten years after high school, friends are still gathering to say really good things about Nick.”

Metro police said September alone has seen 11 open hit-and-run cases, nine of them fatal. 

Tami added that she hopes her son’s story will inspire others to slow down, stop, and reconnect with loved ones while there is still time.

“You don’t want to wait until it’s somebody’s funeral or celebration of life to say what a wonderful person they were and what they meant to you,” she said. “Do it now while you have the chance.”

Advocacy group Walk Bike Nashville also urges drivers to stop after crashes, stressing that leaving the scene only increases the consequences.

“You never know if stopping could save someone’s life,” said Izi Witt, the group’s advocacy coordinator.

Nick’s family encourages those who are interested in honoring him to visit this page and donate to his favorite nonprofits.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/familys-tragedy-highlights-dangers-of-hit-and-run-crashes-in-nashville/