Drives faces DUI charges in Macon pedestrian death, deputies say

A man was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when he fatally struck a pedestrian in Macon Friday night, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver, Daniel Hicks, 39, called 911 when the crash happened after 9 p.m. in a wooded, rural area on Jeffersonville Road and Purnell Drive, a news release from the sheriff’s office said.

“It was reported that the (victim) later identified as 36-year-old Eric Felix Wilburn was struck by a vehicle while walking along the roadway,” deputies said.

Deputy Coroner Ronnie Miley pronounced Wilburn dead at the scene and his family was notified.

Hicks was arrested and taken to the Bibb County Jail, deputies said. He was charged with two counts of DUI, as well as driving with a suspended license, no insurance, expired license plate and open container of alcohol.

Deputies are investigating the fatal crash. Anyone with a tip related to the incident can call the sheriff’s office at 478-751-7500, or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.

This story was originally published January 26, 2026 at 10:32 AM.