Robert Waters Obituary, Death: Authorities identify victim in deadly Harrisburg hit-and-run
Robert Waters Obituary, Death – Authorities in Harrisburg have released the name of the man who was fatally struck in a hit-and-run accident last week. According to the Dauphin County Coroner’s Office, the victim was 57-year-old Robert Waters, a local resident of Harrisburg.
The tragic incident took place on the night of Friday, May 2, along the 1900 block of Paxton Street. Reports indicate that Waters was walking in the area when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Officers from the Harrisburg Bureau of Police responded to the location after receiving emergency calls about a pedestrian being hit. When they arrived, they found Waters lying in the roadway, suffering from severe injuries caused by the impact. Emergency personnel provided immediate assistance and transported him to a nearby hospital for critical care. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save his life, Waters died from the injuries he sustained in the crash.
In response to the fatal incident, police launched an investigation that same night to determine what happened and who was responsible. By the following day, Saturday, May 3, authorities had identified a suspect in connection with the hit-and-run. Investigators determined that 50-year-old Guillermo Cervantes was the driver of the vehicle that struck Waters.
After locating Cervantes, police took him into custody. He was charged with several criminal offenses, including leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious bodily injury—a serious felony under Pennsylvania law. Additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.
The Harrisburg Police have not yet released detailed information about the type of vehicle involved or the events leading up to the collision. It remains unclear whether Cervantes knew he had struck a pedestrian or if he attempted to flee the area to avoid arrest. Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether factors such as speed, visibility, distraction, or impairment played a role.
The incident has drawn concern from the local community, as hit-and-run crashes continue to be a troubling issue in many urban areas. Residents along Paxton Street have voiced frustration over traffic safety, with some suggesting that more needs to be done to protect pedestrians in high-traffic zones. Community leaders are calling for increased awareness and greater enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation remains active, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has additional information to come forward. Officers believe that public assistance could help fill in missing details about what happened in the moments leading up to and following the collision.
Witnesses or those with potentially helpful information are encouraged to contact the Harrisburg Police Department at 717-558-6900. Tips may be submitted anonymously, and investigators stress that even small details—such as the presence of nearby vehicles, camera footage, or the behavior of the suspect after the crash—could be critical in building the case.
In the meantime, Robert Waters’ death is being mourned by family, friends, and members of the Harrisburg community. A lifelong resident of the area, Waters is remembered by neighbors as a kind and soft-spoken man. His sudden death has left loved ones devastated, especially given the circumstances surrounding it.
Officials from the Coroner’s Office confirmed that Waters died from traumatic injuries consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. His body was examined following the fatal collision, and his identity was officially confirmed shortly after the incident.
Although police have made an arrest in the case, the emotional impact of the tragedy lingers. Advocates for road safety stress the importance of accountability and justice for victims of hit-and-run crashes. Such incidents, they note, are not just traffic violations but also criminal acts that cause profound and lasting harm to families and communities.
Law enforcement officers involved in the case have pledged to continue their work until all facts are known and justice is served. While Cervantes is now facing criminal charges, the case remains open as authorities review surveillance footage, collect witness statements, and process forensic evidence related to the vehicle and the scene of the crash.
In summary, 57-year-old Robert Waters lost his life after being struck in a hit-and-run crash on Paxton Street. Police acted swiftly to investigate the fatal incident and arrested 50-year-old Guillermo Cervantes, who is now facing serious charges in connection with Waters’ death. The Harrisburg Police Department continues to urge the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the ongoing investigation.
As the community mourns, officials hope this case serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving and the legal and moral responsibility of remaining at the scene in the aftermath of any accident. More updates are expected as the case develops.
