Delco School Employee Accused Of Hitting, Killing Chesco Cyclist

BROOMALL, PA — The death of a Chester County advocate for the homeless has resulted in a felony charge against the man who struck Michael Hackman last July in Willistown Township.

The Broomall man who is charged works in the Marple Newtown School District. Michael Larkin, 38, has been charged with one felony count of accidents involving death or personal injury, as well as one count of failing to stop and provide aid.

Authorities say he struck and killed cyclist and Chester County homelessness activist Hackman in July and did not notify police. Hackman worked in Chester County's Decades to Doorways program.

Larkin is the Director of Communications and Development for the Marple Newtown School District. The charges stem from a July 18 incident in Willistown Township.

According to Daily Local News, Larkin struck and killed Hackman along the 800 block of Providence Road that night. Larkin reportedly told police he thought it was a deer.

The outlet reports Larkin drove by the scene of the crash at least twice in his automobile and even spoke with an officer, but did not tell the officer of his involvement in the crash.

Hackman was 64. The Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia wrote after Hackman's July death, "Michael's resume reflects a lifetime of community service. Most notably he directed a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Chester County. Chester County Commissioners issued a statement reading 'He worked tirelessly in our Department of Community Development to end chronic homelessness through the Decades to Doorways program. Our deepest condolences are with his family, his friends and co-workers, and the many people who are no longer homeless because of his passion and dedication.'"

Larkin was released on $20,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 13

Max Bennett contributed to this story.