Robert Kelly does not remember much. Just headlights coming at him in a crosswalk.
By Monday, he was still in the hospital. Snickerdoodle was gone.
What Happened Saturday Night
Kelly was walking Snickerdoodle near the intersection of Merriman Road and Memorial Parkway in Akron around 9:45 p.m. Saturday when a dark-colored vehicle struck them both in a marked crosswalk.
The walk signal was active. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle run a red light before hitting them and then leaving the scene.
Snickerdoodle, a 5-year-old miniature poodle, died at the scene. Kelly was taken to Summa Health in Akron with a broken leg, a fractured hip, a concussion, and numerous bruises and scrapes.
What Kelly and His Family Are Dealing With
As Fox 8 reported on the Akron hit-and-run investigation, Kelly told reporters he believes he may have hit the vehicle’s windshield during the collision. He remained hospitalized Monday.
His wife, Elizabeth Kelly, posted on social media: “My husband was struck in the intersection and he hit the person’s hood and then their windshield.”
Snickerdoodle was a failed rescue who had found a home with the Kellys last Christmas. Kelly described her as “perfect for us.” The family is making arrangements to have her cremated.
Accidents that separate owners from their dogs in an instant leave families searching for answers. Mikey, a German Shepherd in Virginia Beach, ran after a freak accident that injured his owner, a different outcome but the same sudden violence of a single moment.
What the Driver Knew
Akron Police Lieutenant Michael Murphy addressed the question directly.
“I think in this set of circumstances, based upon the manner in which this individual was hit, and not only just the pedestrian but also his dog, I think it would be difficult not to know you struck someone,” Murphy said.
Police described the vehicle only as dark-colored. No suspect has been identified. Investigators are using Flock camera technology to try to place the vehicle at the intersection. The department’s Hit-Skip Unit is asking anyone with information to call 330-375-2508.
Why This Matters
Kelly was in a crosswalk with the walk signal active. He did everything right. The driver did not stop.
According to NHTSA’s pedestrian safety data, 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2024, roughly one every 74 minutes. Crosswalk incidents like this one happen when drivers fail to yield to pedestrians who have every legal right to be crossing.
Dogs are not bystanders in human carelessness, they are victims. Rocky, a Philadelphia dog found in a trash bag, survived weeks of critical care after someone discarded him. In both cases, a person made a choice, and a dog paid for it.
A 5-year-old dog who had already survived a failed rescue did not survive Saturday night.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Kelly and Snickerdoodle were struck in a marked crosswalk at Merriman Road and Memorial Parkway in Akron around 9:45 p.m. Saturday.
- Kelly suffered a broken leg, fractured hip, concussion and other injuries. He remained hospitalized Monday.
- Snickerdoodle, a 5-year-old failed rescue adopted last Christmas, died at the scene.
- The driver fled and has not been identified. The vehicle is believed to be dark-colored.
- Anyone with information should call Akron’s Hit-Skip Unit at 330-375-2508.
She Had Already Survived Once
Snickerdoodle was a failed rescue. She had already found her second chance with the Kelly family last December.
Ohio has seen dogs get second chances before. Skates, a dog dumped at an Akron-area skating rink, went viral and found a new family. Snickerdoodle had already had her second chance. She deserved more time with it.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Details are based on public reports and may change. If you have information about this incident, please contact Akron Police Hit-Skip Unit at 330-375-2508.