MACON, Ga. — Tyler Hart loved lifting weights and playing video games with his friends. Shortly before graduating from high school, Hart was killed by a drunk driver in 2021 in west Macon.
His mother Tina Davis and his sisters say their home isn't the same without him.
While he isn't with them today, his memory still is. All around Davis' home, you'll find pictures of her only son, in the living room and the kitchen dining area. Hart was a graduating senior from Central High School.
Davis says she fought to get Hart's diploma and now, it's displayed along with his cap and gown on the wall.
"He was going to graduate in May," Davis said.
In April 2021, authorities say Jason Partin was drunk driving and hit and killed Hart on Knight Road in west Macon. They say Hart was sitting in a truck outside of his home when Partin hit a curve, lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the truck Hart was in. Partin's blood alcohol level was .177 — nearly twice the legal limit.
The crash happened just weeks before Hart was slated to walk across the stage and graduate. Davis says it's hard to describe how she feels about him not being here.
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"My only son and it has taken a lot away from me, losing him. And I wish I could have him back, but I know God knows best," Davis said.
His sister, Ariel Hart, was sleeping when the crash happened. Her mom woke her up and told her what happened. She drove straight to the scene where the crash was.
"I didn't cry until the next day when I realized he was really gone and didn't come home," Hart said.
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Tyler Hart - Family Photos
Samiriah Hodges is Hart's oldest sister. She says she has countless memories of her and Tyler. She says she will miss their sibling bond.
"He's always asking for something," she says with a chuckle. "You need a ride, can I take him and his friends — I'm the chauffeur but if I can get it, I can get it back."
Even as a high schooler, Tina says her son was always good with his money, holding down a job with Marco's Pizza on Riverside Drive.
Marco's did a fundraiser for Hart's family after his death, but they weren't the only members of the community to honor Tyler's legacy. There were balloon releases and heartfelt messages from teachers and friends.
Davis places the memory of Tyler close to her heart, hoping his legacy lives on.
"I just want my son. I don't want him to be just a number. I want his memory to continue to be here," Davis said.
Partin is serving a 12-year sentence for killing Tyler.
He pleaded guilty to first-degree vehicular homicide and DUI in March of last year.
Davis said she is working to forgive Partin but, regardless, no apology will bring back her son.
MORE THAN A NUMBER:
More Than A Number is a Poynter-Stand Together award-winning project by Justin Baxley designed to help families of loved ones impacted by tragedy and trauma interact with journalists in a less intrusive way. Families are able to fill out a form about their family and also receive an in-depth guide on the next steps.
More Than A Number officially launched in August with a streaming special available on 13WMAZ+ for on-demand streaming. For any questions or concerns about More Than A Number, contact us here at the following email: MoreThanANumber@13wmaz.com
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