GULFPORT, Fla. — A holiday weekend turned tragic for a local couple after a hit-and-run driver left them on the road to die.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened around 7:30 Friday night — just one day after Thanksgiving — at the intersection of Gulfport Boulevard and Luana Lane South.
WATCH: Couple critically injured in Gulfport hit-and-run, deputies searching for SUV
Witnesses called 911, and both victims were rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. The victims have been identified as husband and wife: 61-year-old Michael Lynch and 42-year-old Kristen Lynch.
Authorities said the couple was riding an electric scooter together when another car appeared to have hit them from behind and continued driving away.
Tampa Bay 28 reporter Annette Gutierrez spoke with a family member of the victims over the phone, who said Kristen has woken up, but they're asking for privacy as they continue to recover.
David Bodenstedt, who lives right across the street from where it happened, said he was surprised by what he witnessed.
"It was just shocking," Bodenstedt said. "I looked out there, and there were like nine or 10 emergency vehicles."
Bodenstedt said the scene was a sad realization during this time of year.
"The holidays are here, folks, please be careful," he said. "And every time you leave home, hug your loved ones."
The neighbor questioned how someone could leave the scene of such a serious crash.
"Where is the world going to these days?" Bodenstedt said. "Our purpose in life is to help one another, and if you accidentally hit somebody, the first thing you do is stop, and give aid."
Bodenstedt said first responders worked through the night documenting the scene.
"A quarter till two this morning was when the last emergency vehicle — they were cleaning up and taking photos," he said.
The Sheriff's Office Major Accident Investigation Team is asking anyone with information to contact Deputy J. Toro at jtoro@pcsonet.com or 727-582-6200.
The family set up a GoFundMe page.
Share Your Story with Annette
Annette Gutierrez knows safety is important for every community. She’s focused on finding solutions and getting results for both crime and our roads. She takes pride in sharing stories from Sarasota and Manatee counties, so send Annette tips on how she can help.
.
Woman found guilty of killing sister in Carrollwood
A DNA expert testified Wednesday that Patton's DNA was found inside rubber gloves that were buried with her sister in the backyard.
