Fatal Hit-and-Run Car Crash in West Melbourne, FL, on Cocoanut Grove Avenue, Reported October 18, 2026

A 14-year-old boy has died after a hit-and-run on Cocoanut Grove Avenue in West Melbourne, Florida, according to police. The death of Hunter Russey and upgraded charges against the driver accused of striking him were reported October 18, 2026. Police said Russey was found alongside the road on October 13 and transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center as a trauma alert. He was later transferred to Orlando Health Children’s Arnold Palmer Hospital, where he remained on life support. According to police, he was taken off life support Saturday night. Investigators accused Kavan Vishnubhai Patel of pursuing Russey in his car after a reported burglary at Patel’s business. Police said Patel followed the teen for about a half-mile, struck him with the car and drove away, leaving him at the scene. Patel had reported a burglary at his business early on the morning of October 13, according to authorities. Investigators said Patel told officers he had seen Russey break in through a door, but did not initially disclose the pursuit or collision. Patel originally faced charges of aggravated battery and leaving the scene of a crash. Following Russey’s death, police said Patel was rearrested on second-degree murder charges. He was being held at the Brevard County Jail without bond, according to the police account. Police also said Russey’s family decided to donate his organs.