Family of motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run pleads for driver to come forward

FHP: No information on driver who fled scene

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The family of a motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run last week is urging whoever is responsible to come forward so they can have closure.

The Florida Highway Patrol tells News 6 that Cody Dunavin, 22, of Altamonte Springs, was killed Friday night.

"He was our little ray of sunshine," Dunavin's grandmother, Gayle Dunavin, said.

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Gayle Dunavin says Cody could light up a room just by being in it. We're told he moved to Florida three years ago and worked for the Department of Homeland Security.

The grandmother says they are trying to cope with his death.

"One day he's gone. It's like our sunshine has been blocked again," Gayle Dunavin said.

Troopers say Cody was riding a motorcycle eastbound on State Road 436 around 10:45 p.m. when he lost control and struck a curb, the Highway Patrol said. Dunavin was ejected into the westbound lanes.

The driver of another vehicle, identified by the FHP as a Chevrolet, ran over Dunavin as he was lying in the road, and then fled the scene, troopers said. The color, year, make and model of the vehicle that struck him are not known, troopers said.

Dunavin was pronounced dead at the scene, the FHP said.

"The pain they've caused, I don't know how they can even live with themselves at this point," Adrian Dunavin, the victim's brother said.

Adrian Dunavin says a witness was with his brother during his last moments.

"It would have been a gnarly crash for sure. He might have had a broken bone or two, but he definitely thinks he would still be alive if it weren't for that car," Adrian Dunavin said.

Adrian Dunavin tells News 6 that Cody was wearing a helmet.

Troopers are investigating to see if alcohol was a factor, but Adrian Dunavin says his brother wouldn't drink and drive.

"He would not have gotten on a bike if he wasn't fully in control," Adrian Dunavin said.

The victim's family is pleading for whoever killed their loved one to come forward and do the right thing.

"To not stop like that, it just really kinda cuts deep. I just don't know how you could do that to someone," Adrian Dunavin said. "Not only them, but their family, all of their friends, and what they took away from so many people."

Troopers tell News 6 they don't have a description for the driver of the second vehicle at this time. Anyone with information about the driver is asked to call Crimeline, or the FHP at 407-737-2213.

The family set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for burial costs. Click here for more information.
 


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