A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at approximately 10:17 Friday night in front of the Farm and Fleet store on North Cunningham Avenue in Urbana and later died of his injuries after being taken to Carle Foundation Hospital.
The vehicle operator, 64-year-old Sumie Metz, was driving south when she suddenly struck 43-year-old Tyrone Eugene Harris. According to the certified accident reconstruction specialist on the case, Lt. Rich Surles, one of the several drivers who came upon the scene was a doctor who was able to administer first aid care and use an automatic external defibrillator on Mr. Harris.
Metz was uninjured in the collision. She was taken to Presence Covenant Medical Center to give blood samples, though she displayed no obvious signs of intoxication and is cooperating with the police, says Surles. Metz was issued a ticket by police for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.
The specifics of the accident remain unclear, but Surles returned to the scene on Monday with public works employees in order to take measurements and conduct a scientific analysis of the evidence. Urbana police are encouraging anyone who might have seen the accident or who may know Mr. Harris to contact them at 217-384-2320, or call Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 with information should they wish to remain anonymous.
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