A 71-year-old Fort Wayne man, identified as David F. Hart, has died from injuries he sustained after being struck by a Citilink bus last week. The Allen County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death on Monday, July 29, five days after the incident.
The accident occurred on Thursday, July 24, at the intersection of Illinois and Hillegas roads. According to Fort Wayne police, Hart had just exited a Citilink bus when he tripped over a curb as the bus was pulling away. Witnesses reported that the rear wheels of the vehicle struck him as it moved forward.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Hart to a nearby hospital. Despite medical intervention, he passed away due to blunt force trauma injuries. The coroner ruled his death an accident.
Hart’s death marks the 27th traffic-related fatality in Allen County this year, reflecting a troubling increase in deadly roadway incidents in 2025. The crash remains under investigation, but authorities have not filed any criminal charges at this time. The name of the bus driver has not been released, and Citilink has not issued a public statement.
Hart was a regular user of public transit, and those who knew him described him as a kind, soft-spoken man who often relied on buses to travel across the city. His sudden death has left family, friends, and the wider community in mourning.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about pedestrian safety at transit stops. Advocates are urging city officials and transit authorities to reevaluate safety measures around bus loading zones. Proposed improvements include enhanced lighting, curb visibility, better signage, and stricter safety protocols for drivers when pulling away from stops.
Police are asking any additional witnesses to come forward as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. In the meantime, officials are reminding both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant and cautious, particularly near intersections and areas with heavy foot traffic.
As Fort Wayne reflects on the tragic loss of David F. Hart, city leaders and safety advocates say they are committed to working toward safer streets and transit systems to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
