News Summary
A Jacksonville man, Robert Darling, has been arrested for DUI manslaughter following a tragic golf cart accident that resulted in the death of 47-year-old James Higdon. The incident occurred early on November 2 when the golf cart overturned, leading to Higdon being ejected and suffering fatal injuries. Darling, who has pleaded not guilty, is now awaiting trial as the community mourns the loss and reckons with the grave implications of impaired driving.
Jacksonville Man Faces DUI Manslaughter Charges After Tragic Golf Cart Incident
In what is turning out to be a heartbreaking incident in Jacksonville, a man named Robert Darling has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter following a shocking golf cart accident that claimed a life. The tragedy unfolded early in the morning of November 2, in the 1700 block of Talleyrand Avenue, and it has left the community grappling with the consequences of the event.
The Accident Details
The grave situation began around 2:30 a.m. when the golf cart, carrying several occupants, hit a scenario no one could have predicted. Reports indicate that 47-year-old James Higdon was ejected from the cart during the collision, landing hard enough to suffer serious injuries. He was quickly rushed to UF Health Hospital by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, but sadly, he was pronounced dead just hours later at approximately 10 a.m. The official investigation by the Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Higdon’s cause of death was due to blunt force head injuries.
Discovery of Impaired Driving
Witness accounts from the scene painted a vivid picture of the chaotic moment. A cooler was noticed on the rear-facing bench seat of the golf cart, where Higdon had been seated next to his fiancé. Even more concerning, authorities found a tumbler that still smelled of alcohol precariously perched atop that same cooler. It didn’t take long for investigators to suspect impairment as a contributing factor to the fatal incident. Though Darling was detained for suspicion of impairment that night, no formal arrest occurred at that time.
The Long Wait for Justice
Time passed, but the tragic case lingered on the minds of many. After months of investigation, police finally discovered an active warrant for Darling while checking on open arrest warrants. On February 22, he was found and taken into custody at a home on Crystal Springs Road. Darling has since pleaded not guilty to the charges and has requested a jury trial to contest the matter in the courts.
Higdon’s Fiancé Speaks Out
Eliza Huckins, Higdon’s fiancé, has made headlines herself by speaking out regarding the charges. She expressed her belief that the incident was simply an accident, urging the legal system to reconsider its stance. Huckins was present during the crash and has recounted the harrowing experience of reaching for Higdon as he was ejected from the vehicle. She expressed a heartfelt sympathy towards Darling, noting that he and Higdon were long-time friends and voicing how tragic the event has turned out to be for everyone involved.
The Aftermath
Since his arrest, Darling has managed to bond out of jail as of February 25. However, due to the ongoing litigation, he is currently unable to publicly comment on the case that has changed so many lives forever. The community is left to ponder this unfortunate series of events, as Hai is known for being a vibrant member of his circle. The entanglement of friendship, alcohol, and a tragic accident raises questions about responsibility and the unyielding grip of fate in our lives.
Looking Forward
As the case progresses, the legal proceedings will likely shine a light on the dangers of impaired driving, even in seemingly harmless situations like a golf cart ride on a serene night. It is a reminder that accidents can happen, even among friends, and that those moments can have life-altering consequences. The Jacksonville community is betting on justice and healing, as they navigate the heartbreak of losing someone so dear while grappling with the complexity of friendship overshadowed by tragedy.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- Google Search: Jacksonville Golf Cart Accident
- News 4 JAX
- Wikipedia: Golf Cart
- Action News JAX
- Google News: Jacksonville Golf Cart Accident
- First Coast News – Fiancé’s Perspective
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Impaired Driving
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
