Northeast Cobb Father Hit By Car, Dragged

The friends of a Northeast Cobb man who was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Lithia Springs over the weekend are raising money to support his family and hoping the driver will turn himself in.

29-year-old Jacob Downer had been walking alongside the road outside his sister's home in Lithia Springs around 10:00 p.m. Friday when he was struck by a car. According to the Georgia State Patrol and reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, there is no evidence of skid marks or any proof that the driver attempted to stop once Downer was hit.

Authorities estimate Downer was dragged nearly 150 feet after being struck.

Downer survived his injuries, and his recovering at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. His injuries are extensive; he has a bolt keeping his hips together, his thigh muscle has been destroyed, and he has such severe road rash that he is being kept in the burn unit and will likely need skin grafts.

Downer's fiancé, Lindsay Davenport, recently gave birth to the couple's third child. According to friends, she has been out of work. Downer's extensive injuries have also put him out of work, and friends are worried about the family's struggles.

Friends of the family have set up a donation page, asking for funds to help see the family through this difficult time. So far, the page has raised $170.

Davenport believes the driver of the car knew that someone had been hit, but refused to stop.

"I understand someone having the sheer shock and panic, but to take off from the scene is something I can't fathom," she said to FOX 5.

If you have any information that may lead to the driver of the car that struck Jacob Downer, please call the Georgia State Patrol at 404-624-7451.