The hunt continues for evidence in a case linking a driver to a deadly hit-and-run crash. 

It happened near the intersection of Poinciana Boulevard and State Road 535 and claimed the life of a 26-year-old man. 

News 13's spoke with family and friends of the victim as well as investigators. 

Family members gathered to honor Edward Johnson Junior who was killed here early Thursday morning. 

Christopher Montalvo says Johnson was like a brother to him. He heard his close friend was in town from Melbourne, and was hoping to catch up with him. 

"I was waiting for him at the room. Waiting for him at the Ramada, last word I spoke to him was see you when you get here ... Never came," said Montalvo.

Thursday afternoon loved ones gathered near the spot along State Road 535 where the father of two was killed, many still in disbelief.

"I can't believe this happened to him. I miss him. I miss my brother," added Montalvo.

Johnson and three friends were driving back to the hotel, and say he was holding the hotel key car out of an open window -- it fell -- so they pulled over and tried to find it. 

That's when Florida Highway Patrol troopers say a Black SUV hit Johnson, killing him. FHP officials say the driver took off. The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

"We have seen fatal hit and run crashes increases over the years. and the most important thing is finding that vehicle and finding it quickly," said FHP Sergeant Kim Montes.

Troopers did find it quickly and tracked it down at the owner's house. They say the man is not providing FHP with information about what happened -- but did allow them to take the SUV into custody. 

Investigators say there was evidence the SUV was in an accident, and that they are talking to business owners throughout the area, trying to gather as much surveillance video as they can to be used as evidence in this case. 

"The frustrating part is that people know what happened. They go get a lawyer, but we will figure this out and we will build a case and move forward with it," said Sgt. Montes.

As investigators work the case -- loved ones mourn.

"He was a good dad, a good brother. He's going to be missed," said Montalvo.

FHP says they're working to prove who was behind the wheel in this deadly accident. 

They also noted recent legislation that went into effect in July now requires a minimum of four years in jail for leaving the scene of a deadly accident.