Alzheimer's patient hit by car, killed

Family reported 86-year-old missing shortly before deadly crash

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – An 86-year-old Alzheimer’s patient was hit by a car and killed Tuesday morning on University Avenue in Gainesville, police said.

Nathan Gambles was reported missing shortly before the crash was reported, according to the Gainesville Police Department.

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Gambles went missing about 1:30 a.m. and his family called police about 3 a.m.

The crash was reported about 3:30 a.m. by the driver of a black Mazda car who said she had hit a pedestrian, police said.

Officer Warren Meek arrived and began CPR on Gambles, who wasn't breathing. Gambles was taken to UF Health Shands, where he died.

Police said the driver was headed westbound on University Avenue approaching Main Street when Gambles walked into the road, stepping into the path of the car.

A full traffic homicide investigation is underway, which is routine procedure in all crashes resulting in death or serious injury, police said.