Pedestrian Fatally Hit in Crosswalk Identified
The 80-year-old man was a St. Petersburg resident. He was using a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a vehicle.
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Myles B. Gillis of St. Petersburg was hit and killed by a Ford truck Friday, as the 80-year-old man was using the crosswalk on 54th Avenue North.
Police say that Gillis died of his injuries at the hospital.
He was walking south in a marked crosswalk on westbound 54th Avenue North at 81st Street North, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Maria Bekala, 50, had stopped her Saturn to allow for him to cross the street. Bekala was stopped in the inside lane of 54th Aevnue North.
Jon Smith, 59, of St. Petersburg, meanwhile, had been driving in the inside lane on 54th Avenue North, according to police.
Smith traveled into the middle westbound lane to pass Bekala's vehicle, then traveled back into the inside lane. The front left of his car collided with the pedestrian, who sustained critical injuries.
The victim later died at the hospital. The investigation continues.
R. MacKay
12:24 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
A "true gentleman" who spent his life with kindness and generosity struck down by someone who was not paying attention. Bernie Gillis will be missed by all in Nova Scotia, Canada who benefited by his contributions to his fellowman. Bob MacKay