William Hogue Obituary, Death – Cleveland authorities are turning to the community for assistance as they continue investigating a hit-and-run crash from September that has now resulted in the death of the 65-year-old man who was injured. Police announced that the victim, identified as William Hogue, recently passed away from the injuries he suffered in the collision, prompting renewed urgency in the search for the driver who left the scene.
According to the Cleveland Division of Police, the crash took place on the night of September 19 at approximately 9 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the intersection of East 78th Street and St. Clair Avenue after receiving reports of a collision involving multiple vehicles. When police arrived, they discovered that only one vehicle remained at the scene—while the other vehicle involved had already fled before law enforcement arrived.
The vehicle still present was a blue Suzuki motorcycle, which had been operated by Hogue. Officers found him unresponsive due to the severity of his injuries. Emergency responders quickly transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was placed under extensive medical care. For several weeks, he remained hospitalized as doctors attempted to treat the life-threatening trauma caused by the crash.
Tragically, detectives received word on November 8 that Hogue had died as a result of the injuries he sustained. He was officially pronounced deceased at the hospital, marking a somber development in a case that remains without a clear suspect. His death has shifted the nature of the investigation and intensified the police department’s efforts to identify the driver who fled the scene that night.
The case is being handled as a felony hit-and-run, formally referred to as a “failure to stop after an accident.” This charge applies when a driver leaves the scene without rendering aid, reporting the crash, or identifying themselves—actions required by law when a collision results in injury or property damage.
Despite ongoing investigative efforts, police say progress has been slow. In their statement, officials explained that they have not been able to locate any witnesses or secure surveillance footage that might show the suspect vehicle or clarify what happened leading up to the crash. Several early leads were pursued by investigators, but each of them ended without meaningful breakthroughs or information that could advance the case.
Authorities released a photo of the Suzuki motorcycle Hogue had been riding at the time of the crash, hoping that the image may jog someone’s memory or encourage potential witnesses to come forward. The department emphasized that even small details—something someone may have seen on the road or heard from others—could prove critical in identifying the driver responsible.
Police are urging anyone who may have been near East 78th Street and St. Clair Avenue on the night of September 19 to contact the Cleveland Police Accident Investigation Unit. Individuals who have information related to the crash, no matter how minor it may seem, are asked to call 216-623-3310. Investigators stress that such information could be key in helping them move the case forward and provide closure to the family of the victim.
In their public appeal, police noted that the search for the hit-and-run driver remains a top priority and that community cooperation may ultimately be the factor that leads to the resolution of the case. “Your information could help bring justice to Mr. Hogue and his family,” the department said, reminding residents of the importance of stepping forward when serious incidents like this occur.
