Navy Pilot From Merrillville Perishes In Hit-And-Run
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (CBS) -- Family and friends are mourning the loss of a young man who made them proud when he achieved his dream to become a U.S. Navy pilot.
But after serving his country in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan, Lt. Robert Huish was killed by a hit-and-run driver, CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports.
"It's really hard to understand, to accept -- it's just a bad nightmare," his mother, Lisa Huish, says.
The 26-year-old survived the war in Afghanistan only to lose his life at home.
"These guys, they fly helicopters, and they do it off the back of a ship," Lance Huish, father of the pilot, said.
Huish was riding a bike near the naval base in Jacksonville, Fla. Where he lived when he was hit by a speeding driver who kept going. He died Thursday.
Police don't have an exact description of the car. They say it's a 1998 or 1999 Isuzu Rodeo, Amigo or a Honda Passport.
Monday, neighbors in the Merrillville community where Lt. Huish grew up remembered him.
"He's polite. He's gracious. He was just a nice young man," Mary Ellen said.
A flag hung outside the Huish family home -- a symbol of his dedication to serving his country. His parents say it's something he's wanted to do since he was eight years old.
"He was so driven that he got a congressional nomination, went to the academy. He did it all on his own," Huish's mother said.
Although it is a difficult loss for the Huish family, they say they take some comfort in their decision to donate Robert's organs. He will be able to help about 30 people.
