The Drake neighborhood is usually a quiet place, but this past Tuesday evening, that peace was shattered by a tragedy that has left a local family searching for answers. Around 6:00 p.m., the busy intersection of 31st Street and University Avenue became the scene of a devastating hit-and-run that claimed the life of 40-year-old Robert David Given.
Robert was just standing in the roadway when, out of nowhere, a vehicle heading eastbound on University Avenue struck him. Instead of stopping to help or calling for an ambulance, the driver kept going, disappearing into the night and leaving Robert fighting for his life on the pavement. It’s the kind of thing that makes you lose a little faith in people, especially during a time of year when everyone should be looking out for one another.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as soon as the calls came in. Firefighters and police officers worked desperately to save him, starting CPR right there in the street and continuing the effort all the way to a nearby hospital. Sadly, Robert’s injuries were just too much to overcome. He passed away shortly after arriving, leaving behind a community that is now grappling with the sudden loss of a man who clearly meant a lot to those who knew him.
The Des Moines Police Department didn’t waste any time getting to work. Their traffic unit spent hours at the scene, closing down University Avenue between 28th and 31st streets to gather evidence. They leaned heavily on technology, scouring traffic camera data and following every lead they could find. It wasn’t long before their hard work started to pay off.
By Wednesday, investigators had a breakthrough. Using that camera footage, they tracked down a Ford F-150 pickup truck that showed damage consistent with the crash. They found the vehicle tucked away near Beaver Avenue and Witmer Parkway. Police have since impounded the truck, but the big question still remains: who was behind the wheel when it hit Robert?
This tragedy marks the 13th traffic-related death in Des Moines this year, and the fifth time a pedestrian has been killed. It’s a sobering statistic that has local authorities frustrated. They’re emphasizing that leaving the scene of an accident isn’t just a crime—it’s a choice that can mean the difference between life and death for someone like Robert.
As the investigation continues, friends and family are left to mourn a life cut way too short. Robert David Given is being remembered as a kind soul whose absence has created a massive hole in the hearts of his loved ones. If you know anything at all about what happened that night or who might have been driving that Ford F-150, the police are asking you to do the right thing and give them a call.
