Columbia Man Killed in Early Morning Pedestrian Crash

Issue #344

03 Feb

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 61 & low of 50

📰 Columbia Man Killed in Early Morning Pedestrian Crash

📰 Columbia Police Department’s Officer of the Year

📌 Saturday: Predator Trapping Educational Event at United Farm & Home Co-op

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, February 4th

Wednesday, February 5th

Thursday, February 6th

Friday, February 7th

Saturday, February 8th

Sunday, February 9th

Columbia Man Killed in Early Morning Pedestrian Crash

A portion of Main Street in Spring Hill was shut down for about four hours Monday morning as law enforcement investigated a fatal pedestrian crash. The incident occurred around 5:10 a.m. on the exit ramp from Highway 31 North to Saturn Parkway eastbound.

Authorities have identified the pedestrian as 44-year-old Michael Hendrix of Columbia. Early findings suggest Hendrix was walking in the roadway when he was struck by a vehicle. Investigators are working to understand the circumstances leading up to the crash, including his state of mind at the time.

The driver of the vehicle, visibly shaken, continued driving for about a mile before stopping at a gas station, where officers arrived. Law enforcement confirmed that the pedestrian was still on the vehicle when the driver reached that location. The driver is fully cooperating with the investigation.

Comments on Spring Hill Police Department’s Facebook post show that others saw the pedestrian prior to the accident.

Police emphasized that walking on a controlled-access highway is illegal and extremely dangerous, even when using the shoulder. This fatal incident marks the third pedestrian crash in the area in recent months resulting in severe injury or death.

Columbia Police Department’s Officer of the Year

From Columbia Police Deparment’s Facebook post…

The Columbia Police Department recognized FTO Michael Schmidt a five year veteran as its “Officer of the Year” on February 1, 2025, during the Knights of Columbus annual law enforcement dinner.

The event was held at Saint Catherine Church in Columbia. Each year, the Knights of Columbus sponsors an appreciation dinner to honor local law enforcement.

In 2024, FTO Schmidt was named Officer of the Month twice in 2024. In September after a routine encounter led to a significant arrest. What began as an investigation into an illegally parked motorcycle resulted in Schmidt making contact with the owner and discovering that the individual was wanted by another agency. Further investigation led to the seizure of a felony amount of methamphetamine and crack cocaine packaged for distribution.

Schmidt has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication in the Patrol Division. As a Field Training Officer, he instills in new officers the importance of being proactive, compassionate, and professional.

Throughout his career, FTO Schmidt has proven to be a self-motivated officer committed to serving both the citizens of Columbia and the Columbia Police Department. 

Congratulations FTO Michael Schmidt!

Saturday: Predator Trapping Educational Event at United Farm & Home Co-op

Join us at United Farm & Home Co-op Columbia Location for our first predator trapping educational event!

• Saturday February 8th, 2025
• 10am-12pm
• Essential trapping skills for predator control
• Trap setting
• Trap modification
• SO much more!!

Please give us a call at 931-388-0714 to RSVP!

Lunch will be provided for everyone joining us for the event!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, February 4th

Rob Harris, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, February 5th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, February 6th

Matt Marinchick, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Beatles4Sale, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, February 7th

Josh Keas, Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-8 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreay's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Smith & Gone, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Escape, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, February 8th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Kenny Durham Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Resurrection, The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Broken Morals Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, February 9th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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