VALDOSTA, GA – A hit-and-run event in Valdosta, Georgia, which resulted in the death of a teenager as he was attempting to aid an injured dog is currently under investigation by local police. The Valdosta Police Department issued a press release highlighting that Samuel Johnson, Jr., 16, spotted a wounded dog on the street on Saturday. Tragically, while aiding the animal, Johnson was hit by a vehicle, the driver of which then fled the scene.
Johnson was later found on the ground by a passing woman, who initially approached the area after noticing a dead dog in the street. When she arrived at the scene, she found another injured dog next to Johnson.
The vehicle implicated in the incident was identified by police as having damage to the front bumper on the driver’s side. While the authorities have located the vehicle, it remains unclear whether the owner or driver has been identified. At the time of the incident, the police did not provide any immediate response to requests of clarification.
After the tragedy, tributes were posted online remembering Johnson, a high school football player. The Valdosta Wildcats, Johnson’s high school football team, expressed grief over his tragic death, stating they were “heartbroken and devastated” in a recent Instagram post.
Friends and community members have also expressed their sorrow, with one individual writing on his obituary page: “Sam was like a brother to me; he was my right-hand man. Whenever I needed something, he would be there for me.”
While the investigation remains open, the Valdosta police refrained from providing any additional comments.