WASHINGTON — Leonard Robinson led an extraordinary life. A successful businessman, he chose to dedicate his time to bringing joy to sick children. He donned his Batman costume, hopped into his customized Lamborghini Batmobile and let the smiles roll at area hospitals.
But Sunday night, the superhero’s mission ended along the side of Interstate 70 in Western Maryland.
State police say that Robinson, better known as Lenny, was outside the Batmobile working on the car’s engine when he was struck and killed by a passing vehicle. Police say the custom vehicle, described as a replica of the 1960s-era Batmobile, was partially parked in the fast lane at the time.
Robinson, who was not wearing his costume, died at the scene near Big Pool. He was 51.
Funeral services are set for noon Wednesday at Har Sinai Congregation in Owings Mills.
“He’s like the most kindhearted, generous, fun, wonderful person you could ever know,” says Laurie Strongin, executive director and founder of Hope for Henry, a D.C.-based foundation that works to “make sick kids happy.”
Strongin and her husband met Robinson 10 years ago shortly after the death of their son Henry, who wore his own Batman costume every day of his short life. Together the three adults teamed up to bring a superhero to children who spend weeks, months and sometimes years in the hospital.
Robinson became the star superhero at events hosted by the foundation and would pass out toys, flashlights, comic books and more to the children.
“He is Batman. He looks like Batman. He talks like Batman. He drives a Lamborghini Batmobile. He lets the kids sit in it. He provides a magical escape for the kids and they really feel they are meeting the real Batman,” Strongin says.
Now Strongin and the foundation face carrying on that mission without Robinson, who became like a member of her family. She describes his death as “beyond devastating.”
One-of-a-kind origin story
Robinson, of Owings Mills, ran a successful cleaning service in Baltimore and sold it to a larger company; the sale generated both wealth and time for Robinson. He enjoyed playing “Batman and Robin” with his own son and decided he would use the character to give back to families who were less fortunate than his, Strongin says.
“How many people have this opportunity … both time and money. How many people would make that decision? I only know one, and it was Lenny. I think it’s pretty extraordinary.”
A reluctant star
Robinson first made headlines in 2012 when Montgomery County police pulled over the Batmobile on U.S. 29 in Silver Spring for not having valid license plates. The stop, caught on video by a dashboard camera, shows Robinson shaking hands and laughing with the officers. The video quickly went viral but Robinson, dressed in his costume and on his way to a D.C. hospital, asked that he not be unmasked to the public.
The department released a statement Monday paying tribute to Robinson: Its officers still “fondly” remember the day they “met a real superhero.”
“It was evident that the officers and Robinson had a mutual respect for each other and the job that each was trying to accomplish that day,” the statement reads. “We hope that the Dark Knight’s bright light shines on.”
Crash probe continues
Maryland State Police are still investigating the fatal crash including what mechanical problems caused Robinson to pull over on the side of the dark highway. The driver of the Toyota Camry that hit him remained at the scene and was not injured. Police also plan to interview several witnesses to the crash.
Lt. Michael Fluharty reminds drivers to move their vehicle out of travel lanes if they break down or have a mechanical problem. They should then call police for help.
“As tragic as this is, I hope that maybe we can learn something from it,” Fluharty says.
