JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 29-year-old man hit by an SUV Thursday night on Philips Highway near the Centerfold Lounge died at the scene, according to police.
Police said Obed Perez was trying to cross just after 10 p.m. when he was struck. The driver stayed at the scene of the crash and is cooperating with investigators. There was no word on if there would be any charges.
A friend of Perez said he lived only a block from where he was hit and he probably never saw the vehicle.
"He was with some guys drinking, but some of them fell asleep and they asked him to stay with them," Loida Zunun said. "They went into the house and when they came out, he wasn't there. He left."
Zunun said Perez was nice to everyone and had no enemies. She hopes his death will bring awareness to pedestrians and drivers when it comes to drinking.
"He came to my house last week for Christmas and he was dancing and he was happy," Zunun said. "Today I woke up and my uncle called me and told me he died. I just can't believe it."
Philips Highway northbound was closed at Reba Avenue for several hours as police investigated.