The death of Walter Hopkins has shaken his whole community in north Tarrant County. Hopkins, age 37, left behind a widow and four children. A little league coach and active community member, Hopkins’ close-knit neighborhood has been turned upside down by his death in last Thursday’s hit-and-run accident.
Hopkins was jogging through is residential area early in the morning when he was hit from behind by a pickup. Using safety precautions, Hopkins was running facing oncoming traffic in order to see any cars headed in his direction. The vehicle that hit him had to have been going the wrong-way down the street at the time of the accident, leading police to suspect drunk or negligent driving.
Neighborhood Garage Sale, WFAA Photo
Last Thursday the cops already had a lead on the vehicle that was responsible for the crash. Now reports say that the police have a pinpointed the vehicle but an arrest has not yet been made. The family has exercised amazing patience and compassion during this process. The victim’s brother-in-law Richard Massey told WFAA, “We feel for everybody involved in this situation… We’re angry at the situation, but not the individual. We’re not seeking any revenge.”
While the family members grieve and police put together their case, the neighborhood residents are busy offering their support. Friday afternoon the entire neighborhood came together over lit candles for a prayer vigil. Efforts to support the family continued over the weekend. Neighbors are now raising money for the family through a large garage sale. The sale began yesterday and continues today. Donations can also be made to the “Buddy Hopkins Fund” at American Airlines Credit Union office. Beyond fiscal donations, you can follow Massey’s example who told reporters he will honor Hopkins through service saying, “we’ll try to carry on the legacy of his kindness and helping other people.”
