Eric Felix Wilburn, 36, was tragically killed on the night of Friday, January 23, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle while walking along Jeffersonville Road near the intersection of Purnell Drive in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. and has since led to the arrest of the driver involved, who now faces multiple serious charges.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Wilburn was walking along the roadside when he was hit by a vehicle driven by 39-year-old Daniel Hicks. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Wilburn had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The impact of the crash and the circumstances surrounding it have deeply shaken the local community.
Daniel Hicks, the driver of the vehicle, remained at the scene and contacted Macon-Bibb E-911 following the collision. Deputies who responded noted signs of impairment and conducted an investigation that led to Hicks being taken into custody. He was transported to the Bibb County Jail and booked on several charges, including DUI less safe, DUI, driving with a suspended license, no insurance, expired license plate, and an open container violation.
The crash site, located near a residential area and a commonly traveled corridor, has raised renewed concerns about pedestrian safety and impaired driving in the region. Residents in the area have expressed sorrow over the loss and frustration over the continued risks posed by intoxicated drivers. The sheriff’s office has reiterated the importance of responsible driving and the consequences of operating a vehicle under the influence.
Eric Wilburn’s death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him. Friends and family describe him as a kind and humble man who often walked through the neighborhood and was well-known in the community. His sudden and preventable death has prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for justice. A small memorial has begun to form near the site of the crash, with candles and flowers placed in his memory.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to come forward. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is working to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of Eric Felix Wilburn, whose life was cut short by a senseless act of negligence on a quiet Friday night.