A man from Maryland who has brought joy to thousands of children at hospitals and charities by impersonating one of the world's favorite superheroes 'Batman', died after being hit by a car while fixing the engine of his custom-made Batmobile which he parked on interestate 70.
"Real-life" Batman Leonard B. Robinson was reportedly on his way home from a weekend festival held in South Charleston, West Virginia, when a Toyota Camry vehicle hit him at around 10:30 P.M. on Sunday, August 16.
Prior to Robinson's accident, the police said that the Camry vehicle also sideswiped a red and black Batmobile, which is said to be a replica of the Batmobile used in the 1960's "Batman" TV show.
The police added that Robinson's Batmobile was not insured and was using a Maryland license "4BATMAN" that was reportedly registered to a different vehicle.
Sharen Sumpter-Deitz from the Convention and Visitors Bureau of South Charleston, West Virginia, said that Robinson left for home in the afternoon after his meet-and-greet with the hundreds of children from the city's Summerfest, day care centers and library, which happened to be his third and last visit.
"He always told the children how much he valued them and how good they were and that everything they did meant something," Sharen said. "He made them feel like they were the most important person in the whole wide world when he was talking to them."
For 14 years, Robinson has been paying visits to the children in the hospitals while masquerading as "Batman", his son's favorite superhero character.
Besides actually bringing delight to the children in the hospitals and charities, the 51-year old father also owned a website for children, the www.superheroesforkids.org.
Robinson's father, Larry Robinson, said that his son usually makes 18 visits to schools, charities and hospitals every year, giving toys, T-shirts and "Batman" autographs for the children.
"To see these children, the smiles that come onto their faces, it was like a miracle for these children," Larry said.
Warner Bros. Entertainment which owns the 'Batman' franchise knew about Robinson's work and shared a meaningful message to the official Batman Facebook page. "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Leonardo Robinson, who shared his love of Batman with everyone around him."
