High Springs pedestrian hit and killed on U.S. 27/SR 45
Staff report from Florida Highway Patrol release
HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – A 68-year-old High Springs man was killed today when he was hit by a pickup truck while walking near U.S. 27/SR 45.
At about 11:13 a.m. on July 23, the High Springs man was in the roadway on U.S. 27/SR 45 near NW 172nd Avenue for unknown reasons, causing traffic to back up in both directions.
A pickup truck driven by a 66-year-old Newberry man was traveling north on U.S. 27/SR 45 and swerved onto the east shoulder to avoid the stopped traffic. At the same time, according to the Florida Highway Patrol release, the High Springs man exited the roadway onto the east shoulder and was hit by the pickup truck.
The High Springs man was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the pickup truck and his passenger, a 32-year-old Newberry man, were not injured. It is unknown whether they were wearing seatbelts.
Dr. Miriam Baxter sent Alachua Chronicle the following statement: “It is with immense pain and sorrow that I share the heartbreaking news: my brother, Joseph Vincent Baxter Jr., has passed away after being struck by a vehicle and left on the side of the road in Alachua County. He did not survive the injuries from this senseless tragedy.
“Our family is devastated. Joseph was a son, a brother, and a friend whose life mattered. No one deserves to be discarded like that. We are pleading with the public: if you saw something, say something. Help us find justice for Joseph.
“Please keep our family in your prayers as we process this unimaginable grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
What was the pedestrian doing in the road?😢
He was on the side of the road in the grass there are no real sidewalks going in that area.
Dr. Baxter, sorry for you and your family’s loss.
Not minimizing the tragedy but I’m a bit confused.
The deceased, Mr. Baxter Jr., was backing up traffic in both directions, (for an unknown reason), stepped off the roadway and was struck and killed when the driver of a truck swerved onto the shoulder to avoid the stopped traffic.
That’s pretty clear from the story.
The sister, Dr. Baxter, sends a letter to the AC, implying her brother was run over, discarded and left on the side of the road. Traffic had been stopped, so I find it difficult to believe that people fled the scene, without reporting or attempting to provide care. On top of that, the article already stated the ages of the occupants of the vehicle involved so they presumably stayed after the accident.
It’s a tragic accident and distracted driving may have played a major factor, but to imply he was ‘discarded and left on the side of the road’ by others present may be a bit much.
Information is a valuable asset. We did not have all the information as I wrote this.Thxs for your condolences.
To: “This may work”
From: A concern citizen your not open to the possibility that this wasn’t an accident but negligence on behalf of the driver. You stated yourself he swerved off the road and hit Mr. Baxter.
What caused him to swerve? What was his speed at time of accident? The accountability is the accountability. The wording isn’t the factor unless you have some skin in the game.
Let’s allow the investigation solve the riddle ma’am or sir.
To Concerned Citizen:
We know the deceased was NOT left on the side of the road as his sister stated!
To someone who may or may not be concerned…
I reiterated what the story already said and questioned what was implied.
Negligence can still be an accident, and in this case a tragic and unfortunate one. The driver swerved off the road to avoid hitting the stopped traffic and accidently hit Mr. Baxter, again, according to the story.
Stay in your lane.
It seems as though you’re a family member of the person who struck him.
Couldn’t have said it any better. Tragic , Sad & heart breaking. As a life long resident , High Springs Locals and community don’t just discard a Human Life. We help with whatever we can. Blessings to Family And those involved who surely have great emotions in this Accident
I’m sorry for your loss. Grief causes people to say things that are out of line or inappropriate . But as I have read the statement given, Your loved one was not left on the side of the road or abandoned and definitely not discarded.It seems to be a terrible accident. Please remember the people who hit him and what they must be going through as well, probably will relive that moment over and over for years to come.Its a tragedy for all.
My sincerest condolences for the loss of your brother Joseph. My continuous prayers for all the family.
No one was left on the road, he was underneath the vehicle, initially responders thought they might have to lift vehicle off of him but were able to simply pull him out.
Holly Molly, that truck driver should be charged with manslaughter.