A golf cart at the scene of the tragic accident, reflecting the aftermath of DUI incidents.
A heartbreaking incident in Jacksonville has led to DUI manslaughter charges against Robert Darling, 43, after a crash involving a golf cart resulted in the death of 47-year-old James Higdon. The accident occurred on November 2, 2024, when Higdon sustained life-threatening injuries while riding as a passenger. Authorities discovered alcohol-related evidence at the scene, leading to Darling’s arrest. This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving in the community.
In the vibrant city of Jacksonville, a recent incident has shed light on the dangerous combination of alcohol and driving. A man named Robert Darling, 43, was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter following a devastating crash involving a golf cart that claimed the life of a 47-year-old man, James Higdon.
The unfortunate accident took place on a warm morning, November 2, 2024, at around 2:30 a.m. The location was the 1700 block of Talleyrand Avenue, a stretch that typically sees its fair share of late-night activities. As it stands, this particular night ended in tragedy. Reports suggest that Higdon was a passenger in a golf cart when things took a turn for the worse.
After the crash, Higdon was found having sustained life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders from Jacksonville Fire and Rescue swiftly transported him to UF Health Hospital, where he was unfortunately pronounced dead a few hours later. The Medical Examiner’s report indicated that Higdon succumbed to blunt force head injuries—a somber reminder of how quickly joy can turn into sorrow.
Following the crash, authorities discovered a cooler placed on the rear-facing bench of the golf cart. Interestingly, Higdon had been seated next to his fiancé. Right on top of the cooler, a tumbler was found that emitted the unmistakable scent of an alcoholic beverage. Not surprisingly, Darling was taken into custody on suspicion of being impaired during the incident.
Initially, there were no arrests made at the time of the incident. However, months later, a diligent detective with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office unearthed an active warrant for Darling. He was subsequently arrested at a residence on Crystal Springs Road. With the legal wheels now turning, Darling has entered a plea of not guilty and has requested a trial by jury. This case, which has drawn considerable attention, is far from over.
This tragic event is not isolated. Just recently, another case involving DUI manslaughter rocked the community when Cashius Barry Edwards, a former corrections officer, was sentenced to eight years in prison. Edwards caused a horrific crash while speeding at 121 mph, resulting in the loss of 32-year-old Chavon Mackey II. Edwards had a blood-alcohol level of 0.19—a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. His sentence included community control, probation, DUI school, and mandatory community service.
In an additional shocking case, Kim Johnston was ordered to pay a staggering $30.5 million to the family of Cathy Adams, whom he fatally injured in a DUI-related crash. Johnston, with a blood-alcohol level well above the legal limit, had previously been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the crime. These incidents serve as a distressing wake-up call about the repercussions of driving under the influence.
As Jacksonville grapples with the realities of these incidents, the impact resonates far beyond the individuals involved. Lives are changed forever, families are shattered, and communities must confront the harsh truth about the dangers of drinking and driving. The future proceedings in the Darling case await, but the hope is for a vigilant community that prioritizes safety above all else.
Jacksonville Woman Ordered to Pay $30.5 Million for DUI Tragedy
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