Chatham Co. firefighter still seeking answers over a year after wife killed in hit-and-run

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -  It’s been more than a year since a Savannah woman lost her life after she was hit by a car and the person fled the scene.

Her husband, a local firefighter, says he’s still looking for answers but they’re getting close.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Chatham County firefighter looking for answers after wife killed in hit-and-run

WTOC spoke with him Saturday about his recent efforts.

He says he’s now offering a $5,000 reward for anyone that can give a firsthand account about the day his wife was hit and killed.

He hoped that after all this time, someone would come forward. 

But he also hopes that this is a step towards closure.

“She was a very peaceful person,” said husband, Levi Cox.

Raw emotions as Levi Cox described everything he loved about his wife Bailey.

He says she was an artist and storyteller, with the potential to be the best.

“She could’ve been one of the most famous, brilliant artists in the comic book industry. I could see the potential there you know,” said Cox.

That potential was cut short in May of 2024 after his high school sweetheart was hit and killed a vehicle.

Cox was on the phone with Bailey when it happened.

“It sounded something like her phone falling out of her bike basket, I thought like no big deal, she’ll notice and stop and get it,” said Cox.

It’s been more than a year now since Georgia State Patrol says an unknown vehicle going north on Norwood near Fox Chase Road hit a bicyclist riding along the fog line.

Since then, he’s learned more information that could lead to that closure their family needs.

“Somehow they identified the vehicle and ceased it and as they were going to cease it, the owner of the vehicle took his own life,” said Cox.

He’s now issued a $5,000 reward for anyone that can give a firsthand account of what they saw that night.

Details that will tie the driver to that night.

“We’ve heard a lot of people out in town talk about you know, well I heard at this bar on that day that he was there, he wasn’t there, and you know, there’s just been a lot of rumors,” said Cox.

WTOC also spoke with his lawyer who told us they are not seeking anything from the family members of the individual involved.

They’re just asking for community members who have information about who was driving the vehicle and that connection to Bailey’s death, to come forward.

You can call 912-754-1180 to report any information you may have.

Warning Signs of Suicide 

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

What to Do 

• Do not leave the person alone
• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

Who Can Help 

• 988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Using 988 is free and confidential. The Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. You can call or text 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org to chat with a counselor.
• The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
• The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
• Crisis Text Line: 741-741
• This free text-message service provides 24/7 support to those in crisis. Text 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor right away.