A tragic incident unfolded last night in Tarpon Springs as 41-year-old New Port Richey man Brandon Posey was struck and killed by two vehicles after he ran across U.S. 19, police reported.
According to WFLA, Posey was hit just after 8 p.m. near the intersection of U.S. 19 and Tarpon Avenue the Tarpon Springs Police Department said he was found deceased in the northbound lanes after having exited a vehicle parked in the southbound lanes, he ran across the highway when the incident occurred Traffic from Tarpon Avenue was diverted as authorities conducted their investigation.
Officials confirmed that Posey was not using the crosswalk, and the northbound traffic light on U.S. 19 was green at the time of the collision, "It does not appear that he was in the crosswalk and northbound U.S. 19 had a green light," authorities said in a statement obtained by WFLA. A black BMW initially struck Posey, followed by a grey Ford SUV, which subsequently ran over him, with both drivers stopping and currently cooperating with the investigation, as police have indicated that impairment is not believed to be a factor.
Further information provided by WTSP details that the two involved drivers are cooperating with the investigation, while the Tarpon Springs Police Department continues to appeal to the public for additional information or dashboard camera footage from the time of the crash, suggesting that anyone with information should reach out to Lead Traffic Homicide Investigator L. Palmer at 727-938-2849.
The active and ongoing investigation caused significant delays, resulting in northbound lanes from Tarpon Avenue being rerouted traffic was impacted through late last night with police asking drivers to avoid the intersection, says FOX 13 News expressing the gravity of the situation and the authorities' need for cooperation from anyone who may have witnessed the tragic event or has any video evidence.
