DES MOINES, Iowa — A quiet evening in Des Moines turned tragic after a hit-and-run crash claimed the life of a local man in the Drake Neighborhood. Authorities have identified the victim as 40-year-old Robert David Given of Des Moines. His sudden death has left family members, friends, and neighbors grieving as police continue investigating the deadly incident.
According to the Des Moines Police Department (DMPD), officers and firefighters were called to the intersection of 31st Street and University Avenue on Tuesday evening after reports came in about a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. First responders arrived quickly and found Given seriously injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries despite lifesaving efforts.
Police said the driver involved in the crash fled the scene before emergency crews arrived, making the situation even more heartbreaking. Investigators believe the vehicle was a Ford F-150 traveling eastbound on University Avenue at the time of the crash. Authorities stated that Given was standing in the roadway when he was struck. The driver did not stop to help or call for assistance.
As officers began their investigation, they collected evidence from the scene and reviewed traffic camera footage from the area. These leads helped guide police to another part of the city. According to DMPD, officers later located the suspected pickup truck near the area of Beaver Avenue and Witmer Parkway. The vehicle showed signs consistent with being involved in the crash.
The incident has raised serious concerns about road safety and the dangers of hit-and-run crashes. Leaving the scene of an accident not only breaks the law but can also cost lives, investigators stressed. Police are continuing to piece together what happened and determine who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
As the investigation moves forward, the Des Moines community is mourning the loss of Robert David Given. Loved ones remember him as someone who mattered deeply to those around him. His death is a painful reminder of how quickly life can change and how important it is for drivers to remain alert, responsible, and compassionate on the road. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Des Moines Police Department.
