Published on
MELBOURNE. — October 29, 2025 — Melbourne Police are investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 70-year-old bicyclist early Wednesday morning.
Officers responded to the intersection of Eau Gallie Boulevard and Highland Avenue around 5:33 a.m., where they found a bicyclist suffering from significant injuries after being struck by a vehicle. The victim, identified as James Griffin of Melbourne, was rushed to a local hospital but later died from his injuries.
According to investigators, Griffin had been riding westbound in the designated bicycle lane on Eau Gallie Boulevard when a light-colored car turned west from Pineapple Avenue, striking him. Witnesses reported that the vehicle had been driving erratically—swerving, squealing its tires, and speeding—just moments before the crash.
The driver did not stop and continued west on Eau Gallie Boulevard, leaving Griffin critically injured at the scene.
Police are now working to locate the vehicle and identify the driver. Investigators have canvassed nearby businesses and homes for surveillance footage that might have captured the collision or the suspect vehicle. They are also urging anyone who may have seen a light-colored car driving recklessly in the area around the time of the crash to come forward.
“This was a tragic and completely preventable crash,” Melbourne Police said in a statement. “We are asking the community for help identifying the vehicle and driver responsible.”
The case remains active and is being handled by the department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Officer Whiteside at (321) 616-6087.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimeline.org.
