Pedestrian hospitalized after hit-and-run on Mississippi Coast has died, police say

A pedestrian struck Tuesday night in a hit and run in Gulfport died Wednesday evening in a hospital, authorities said.

Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer identified the victim as Chadrick Vaughan Sr., 39, of Gulfport.

Authorities announced Thursday that the suspect, 78-year-old Elio Gonzalo Fombellida, was being held on one count of leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury and one count of possession of a controlled substance. Gulfport police Sgt. Jason Ducre said authorities would likely upgrade the charges as an investigation continues.

Police said officers responded at 5:42 p.m. Tuesday to 25th Avenue and 19th Street after a car hit the pedestrian.

Vaughan was in stable condition at Memorial Hospital Tuesday night but authorities said his condition worsened, and he died about 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Police say Fombellida collided with a UPS truck, fled, then hit the pedestrian and two other cars.

Authorities found Fombellida, a news release said, and arrested him after he tried to flee. Officers also found cocaine in Fombellida’s pocket that he said belonged to a friend, authorities said.

Switzer said Vaughan died of blunt force trauma.

Fombellida is held in the Harrison County jail on a $300,000 bond.

The crash closed all southbound lanes on 25th Avenue from 19th Street to 18th Street for over an hour Tuesday night.

This story was originally published November 21, 2024 at 3:50 PM.