Friends remember man killed in I-485 hit-and-run; troopers still seeking suspect

CHARLOTTE — A deadly hit-and-run crash in west Charlotte has family, friends and co-workers remembering a man they described as having a big, caring heart and a can-do attitude. Investigators are still searching for a suspect.

Cedric Jacobs was struck and killed in a crash on the Interstate 485 outer loop at Moores Chapel Road before 9 a.m. on Sunday, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the crash involved two cars and a motorcycle. A car crashed into the back of a second car, then swerved into an adjacent lane hitting a motorcycle and killing its driver, Jacobs, troopers said.

Investigators said the first car, believed to be a dark gray 2011-2012 Honda Accord, left the scene. They also said the car’s front bumper is missing completely, and it has a Honda of Concord front license plate. Troopers said the driver may be local to the region.

As the search for a suspect continues, co-workers and friends of Jacobs gathered Thursday to remember him.

Inside Octapharma Plasma’s Milton Road location, signs of Jacobs are immediately visible. Buttons with his smiling face are being worn by co-workers and a sign sits up front, offering an opportunity for those who knew him to pay their respects.

“I can’t say this enough; can-do type personality,” said Brian Robinson, a friend and colleague of Jacobs. “He also had an outstanding rapport with his employees and donors. We would go to lunch at a restaurant over here and people would go up and speak to him and just say hi to him, because he was well respected and liked in the community and in our organization.”

Jacobs worked at Octapharma Plasma for 12 years, according to Robinson.

Robinson described his friends of 10 years as a bit of a practical joker, with a big heart, who loved his wife and kids.

“He was a good mentor, good leader, great person, can-do attitude type gentleman, very focused, never gave up,” he said.

“He was one of the good ones,” Robinson said. “Cedric is a gentleman that we all will miss. We respected and cared a lot about him and we hope that there is justice and they find the individual that caused this accident, this tragic accident.”

On Thursday, Channel 9 checked with NCSHP to see if they have any updates on the case. We are waiting to hear back.

Anyone with information is asked to call the State Highway Patrol office in Mecklenburg County at 980-224-6070.

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