Heavy police presence reported on Morris Rd. in Columbus
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- Pedestrian struck and killed by vehicle on Morris Road Friday night; driver remained at scene.
- 47-year-old John Paul Hardy died from blunt force trauma; no charges pending, no autopsy planned.
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle late Friday night in Columbus. The crash occurred in the 800 block of Morris Road around 8:20 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. 47-year-old John Paul Hardy was pronounced dead on scene at 8:38 p.m. from blunt force trauma, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan. The vehicle and driver involved in the crash stayed on scene. Bryan says no autopsy will be performed and no charges are pending. The Columbus Police Department’s Motor Squad is investigating the crash. Hardy’s family has been notified.
A heavy police presence is underway in Columbus Friday night.
The presence is taking place on Morris Road in the 800 block.
The presence has been going on since 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
The Muscogee County Coroner’s Office coroner van is on site.
Multiple officers with neon-yellow safety vests appear to be walking up and down the street.
This is a developing story.
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