A tragic incident in Columbus early Sunday morning has claimed the life of a 42-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle, according to authorities. The Muscogee County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Brent Hart, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The collision occurred on Miller Road near its intersection with Pittman Street, a residential area on the city’s south side, at approximately 3:00 a.m. on February 15, 2026.
According to the Columbus Police Department, officers responded to reports of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the early morning hours and arrived to find Hart lying in the roadway. Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan responded to the scene and officially pronounced Brent Hart deceased at 3:31 a.m., just half an hour after the initial reports of the collision. The exact circumstances leading to the pedestrian being struck remain under active investigation by Columbus Police investigators.
Additional details regarding the incident were not immediately released by authorities as the investigation remains in its preliminary stages. The Columbus Police Department has not disclosed information about the driver involved, the type of vehicle, or whether any charges are expected to be filed at this time. However, Coroner Buddy Bryan did confirm that Hart’s next of kin has been notified of his tragic and sudden passing, allowing family members to begin the difficult process of grief while investigators continue their work.
As part of standard protocol following a fatal pedestrian collision, Hart’s body is being sent for an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death, though preliminary findings indicate he died from injuries sustained in the strike. The coroner’s office will work in coordination with the Columbus Police Department’s investigation to ensure all evidence is properly documented and preserved for any potential legal proceedings that may follow.
Coroner Bryan also stated that charges are currently pending for the driver of the vehicle that struck Hart, suggesting that investigators may be considering criminal charges based on evidence gathered at the scene. The nature of any potential charges has not been specified, and authorities have not released information regarding whether factors such as impairment, speed, or distracted driving may have contributed to the fatal collision on Miller Road in the predawn hours of Sunday morning.
The community now mourns the loss of Brent Hart, a 42-year-old Columbus resident whose life ended violently and unexpectedly on a roadway that residents traverse daily. As the Columbus Police Department continues its investigation and the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office completes its autopsy protocols, those who knew Hart are left to grapple with the sudden absence of a loved one taken far too soon. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department directly.
