Fatal Crash Shuts Down Hodges Boulevard in Jacksonville, Prompting Police Investigation and Morning News Briefing

What happened and where traffic was blocked

A fatal traffic crash shut down all lanes of Hodges Boulevard in Jacksonville on Tuesday morning, Feb. 3, 2026, forcing a full closure between Bentwater Drive and Arabella Drive as investigators worked the scene. The closure began during the morning commute, with police reporting the roadway blocked by about 8:45 a.m.

Authorities scheduled a morning briefing for 9:40 a.m. the same day, signaling that the initial information released publicly was limited while the investigation was still active. As of the initial closure notice, no official details had been released about the number of vehicles involved, whether any additional injuries occurred, or the identity of the person who died.

What investigators typically work to establish in a fatal crash

In fatal traffic investigations, law enforcement and crash investigators generally focus on establishing a timeline, determining direction of travel, documenting points of impact, and identifying contributing factors such as speed, impairment, distraction, roadway conditions, or visibility. Investigators also assess whether any mechanical failures played a role and whether any traffic-control devices or roadway design features affected the sequence of events.

When a crash results in a death, investigators often preserve evidence for a more detailed reconstruction. That work can include measurements at the scene, photographs, witness interviews, and collection of vehicle data where available. These steps can extend the duration of road closures, particularly on corridors like Hodges Boulevard that serve residential areas and connect to major routes on Jacksonville’s Southside.

What the closure means for drivers and nearby neighborhoods

The shutdown between Bentwater Drive and Arabella Drive affected local access along a stretch of Hodges Boulevard that functions as a key north-south artery for nearby subdivisions, apartment communities, and retail destinations. A full-lane closure typically forces drivers onto parallel neighborhood streets and adjacent arterial roads, increasing congestion and extending travel times during peak hours.

• Drivers in the area faced detours and delays during the morning commute window.
• Residents and businesses along the corridor likely experienced limited access while the scene remained active.
• Emergency and service traffic may have been rerouted depending on police perimeter points.

What is confirmed so far—and what remains unconfirmed

Confirmed: A fatal crash occurred, and all lanes of Hodges Boulevard were closed between Bentwater Drive and Arabella Drive on the morning of Feb. 3, 2026; a police news briefing was scheduled for 9:40 a.m.

Unconfirmed at the time of the initial closure notice: the victim’s identity, the precise crash mechanism, and whether citations or criminal charges may be considered. Additional details are typically released after next-of-kin notification and preliminary investigative findings.