It is with heartfelt sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of David F. Hart, a 71-year-old resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a transportation accident. Mr. Hart passed away on Monday, July 29, 2025, following a devastating incident involving a Citilink bus on Illinois Road near Hillegas Road.
According to the Allen County Coroner’s Office and Fort Wayne Police, the incident occurred on Thursday, July 24, as Mr. Hart had just disembarked from a Citilink bus at the busy intersection. In a heartbreaking sequence of events, he lost his footing while stepping off the curb, stumbling just as the bus began to pull away. Tragically, he was struck by the rear wheels of the departing vehicle. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment but ultimately succumbed to his injuries five days later.
The Allen County Coroner confirmed his death was due to trauma sustained in the collision and officially ruled it an accidental death. Hart’s passing marks the 27th traffic-related fatality in Allen County this year, a sobering statistic that highlights the ongoing need for enhanced pedestrian safety and public transportation awareness in the region.
A Life of Quiet Strength and Enduring Kindness
David F. Hart was more than a name in a tragic report — he was a beloved father, neighbor, friend, and member of the Fort Wayne community. Known for his humble demeanor and genuine kindness, David lived a life marked by quiet strength, resilience, and dedication to those around him.
He spent much of his professional life in various trades and service positions, where his attention to detail and strong work ethic earned him the respect of colleagues and supervisors alike. But it was his unwavering kindness and sense of decency that endeared him to all who knew him.
Friends and neighbors describe David as someone who always made time to greet others with a smile, lend a helping hand, or share a moment of conversation. Whether it was clearing snow from a sidewalk or offering someone a ride, David lived a life guided by compassion and generosity.
A Community Mourns
News of David’s passing has struck a chord with many in Fort Wayne, particularly among those who use public transportation daily or who regularly traverse the busy corridor where the accident occurred. Many have expressed condolences and concern for safer pedestrian infrastructure and more caution around bus stops and transit zones.
“We’re heartbroken,” said one community member. “David was a familiar face in our neighborhood — quiet, kind, and always so respectful. His death feels personal to all of us.”
The incident has also reignited community conversations around safety protocols for both drivers and pedestrians, especially the elderly or mobility-challenged individuals navigating active transportation zones. Authorities are expected to review footage and operational procedures as part of an internal assessment following the tragedy.
Honoring His Memory
Though he lived a modest life, David F. Hart left behind a legacy of decency, humility, and quiet impact. He is survived by family members, close friends, and many who crossed his path in day-to-day life — all of whom now carry his memory with deep respect.
Funeral arrangements are currently being coordinated by the family and will be announced in the coming days. Those who wish to honor David’s memory are encouraged to support local transportation safety initiatives or make donations to senior care organizations in his name.
As the Fort Wayne community pauses to reflect on this loss, we remember David Hart not for how his life ended, but for the life he lived — simple, sincere, and filled with kindness. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.
Rest in peace, David F. Hart. Your presence enriched many, and your memory will continue to shine through the lives you touched.
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