BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. -- SWFL Crime Stoppers is asking a key tipster who called on Friday, Sept. 3, to call them back in regards to a hit-and-run crash that killed a 71-year-old man.
Detectives believe this one particular tipster may have witnessed the crash and may potentially have more information. Just after 8 A.M., on Aug 11, a driver spotted Lynn Brown lying on his back in the grass near the intersection of Nottingham Lane and Bonita Drive. When he pulled up to help him, the 71-year-old was bleeding from his ears and nose, and was covered in abrasions. The tricycle he was riding was left mangled in the road. He later died at Lee Memorial Hospital.
Brown had no family, but he was beloved by the Bonita Springs Community. "He had great passion, he had a smile that would light up a room," said one of his friends.
Brown led a very active, independent life, despite being born with a birth defect, according to Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. He was known as the 'King of Karaoke' in Bonita Springs and would ride his tricycle to sing every Monday and Tuesday night. His friends tell Fox 4 he would volunteer at a golf course and would also go to Wendy's regularly to buy frosties, which he would then give out to people. "He was just the sweetest man, with just the most positive outlook and just gracious for every single day," said Routte. "So many people in Bonita knew him and they were kind of his extended family. To suffer a loss like that, somebody's got to pay."
According to Routte, detectives are very close to cracking the case, but they just need a bit more information. They believe the tipster who called on Sept. 3 could be the answer to their prayers. Routte says seemingly small information is very important. "Little things that they may have seen and maybe they didn't think was important, but it's critically important and may result in the person responsible for taking Lynn's life being put behind bars, where they belong."
If you are that tipster, call SWFL Crimestoppers at 1 (800) 780-TIPS (8477). Route tells Fox 4 the call center has a list of questions they want to ask you, or they can patch you through to her directly, and she will talk to you personally.
