BALTIMORE — Lenny B. Robinson, a Baltimore man who made headlines three years ago when the world discovered he drives around Maryland in full Batman regalia to visit sick children in hospitals, was killed on Sunday at the age of 51.
The Washington Post reports that Robinson’s batmobile broke down by the side of the road. When Robinson got out of the car to see what was wrong, another car hit the batmobile, which then struck and killed Robinson.
Robinson’s Facebook page is full of uplifting stories and photos of his many good deeds dressed as one of DC Comics’ most iconic characters. He began visiting area hospitals as Batman in 2001, sometimes getting his teenage son Brandon to dress up as Robin. He told the Washington Post in 2012 that he paid $5000 for the batsuit and spends about $25,000 annually buying toys and memorabilia to hand out to the kids he visits.
Robinson said at the time that it may sound cheesy but putting on the batsuit makes him be a better person. “It feels like I have a responsibility that’s beyond a normal person. And that responsibility is to be there for the kids, to be strong for them, and to make them smile as much as I can,” says Robinson.
