FHP: Pennsylvania man hit, killed on US 1 south of St. Augustine

Residents concerned after 2 pedestrians killed at intersection this week

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A Pennsylvania man died when he was hit by a tractor-trailer Thursday morning on U.S. 1 at Shores Boulevard in St. Johns County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The tractor-trailer was traveling south on U.S. 1 around 5 a.m. when it struck the 42-year-old pedestrian who was walking along the right lane. The impact threw the man near a ditch on the side of the road, where he was pronounced dead, according to the crash report.

The victim's name has not been released, pending next-of-kin notification.

Troopers said the driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

All southbound lanes at Shores Boulevard were blocked for several hours while troopers investigated the accident.

The man was the second pedestrian killed at the intersection this week, heightening traffic-safety concerns.

Residents said drivers need to pay more attention when traveling in the area, where there are now more pedestrians than ever because of several new housing developments. 

"I've lived here for a couple of years and there's definitely more traffic, especially with all the homes being built out here. There's more people down here," said Joslyn Walters, who lives near the intersection. "Especially crossing the the main road from the Shores over to the Walgreens."

James Bessett, who also lives near Shores Boulevard, told News4Jax he notices drivers speeding down U.S. 1 daily, saying something needs to be done to decrease the accidents.

Bessett was saddened to learn of the deadly crash, which left a lot of debris along the busy road.

"I'm speechless," Bessett said. "It's always a sad thing."

Troopers continue to investigate.