A 29-year-old Ocala man died Wednesday morning after a hit-and-run driver struck him on a Marion County roadway, then returned to the scene one hour later in the damaged vehicle to confess to the fatal collision.
Fatal Collision on County Road
The deadly incident occurred at approximately 8:05 a.m. on County Road 200A near NE 110th Street in Marion County. A silver Ford Explorer traveling northbound drifted off the roadway to the right, striking a pedestrian walking along the east shoulder. The front right portion of the vehicle made contact with the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver failed to stop after the impact and fled the area immediately.
New: FHP troopers say Matthew Boardman, 29, initially fled the scene after hitting and killing a man walking on the side of the road in Ocala 🔽
https://t.co/01OYJ53CpW pic.twitter.com/P5UO0SYaHo— WCJB TV20 News (@WCJB20) September 9, 2026
Matthew Boardman, 29, of Marion County, drove away from the crash site but returned approximately one hour later. Deputies identified him as the driver when he arrived back at the location in the same damaged Ford Explorer involved in the fatal collision. Boardman admitted to authorities that he was behind the wheel during the incident and acknowledged leaving the scene after striking the pedestrian.
Criminal Charges Filed
Marion County deputies arrested Boardman and charged him with leaving the scene of a crash involving death. This charge carries serious legal consequences under Florida law, which requires drivers involved in accidents to remain at the scene and render aid when possible. The statute treats crashes resulting in death with particular severity, reflecting the serious nature of fleeing after causing a fatality. Boardman was processed and scheduled to be booked into the Marion County Jail following his arrest.
Investigation Details
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased pedestrian pending family notification. The investigation remains active as deputies work to determine all circumstances surrounding the collision. Questions remain about why the Ford Explorer drifted off the roadway and what factors may have contributed to the driver’s decision to flee the scene initially before returning. Deputies continue gathering evidence and witness statements to build a complete picture of the events that led to this tragic loss of life on a Marion County roadway Wednesday morning.