A local jazz legend died Tuesday on Hutchinson Island when the golf cart he was in was struck by a car coming off the island’s former racetrack.
Click here to view a slideshow of photos of the life and legacy of Ben Tucker.
Savannah-Chatham police confirmed Tuesday afternoon 82-year-old Ben Tucker was the driver of the golf cart struck by a dark blue Dodge sedan on Resort Drive, an approach to Grand Prize of America Avenue on Hutchinson Island.
The car was driven by 52-year-old Robert William Martin, of Spicewood, Texas. Police have charged Martin with racing, vehicular homicide in the first degree and reckless driving, Police spokesman Julian Miller said.
Miller said Tucker was crossing the road in his golf cart when the sedan was coming off the speedway. Tucker was transported to Memorial University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
The bass violinist moved to Savannah in 1971 from New York City, becoming a mainstay in the local jazz scene while traveling the world and making music with some of the genre’s biggest players.
For years Tucker owned local jazz spot Hannah’s East where he was known to play bass for Statesboro singer and pianist Emma Kelly. He also was a former owner of WSOK-AM and WLVH-FM.
The car was driven by 52-year-old Robert William Martin, of Spicewood, Texas. Police have charged Martin with racing, vehicular homicide in the first degree and reckless driving, Miller said.
Originally published at savannahnow.com.
