Elijah Tompkins died after a pickup struck him on South Hamilton Road late Wednesday night, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Police said he entered the crossing against a don't-walk signal. Tompkins was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later died.
The collision happened south of Blakestone Lane as Tompkins crossed from west to east, WSYX reported. Officers said the pedestrian signal showed don't walk while traffic on South Hamilton Road had a green light.
Police Detail the Truck's Route and Impact
Police said a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling south toward Blakestone Lane when its front-right side struck Tompkins. He came to rest in the shoulder area, according to the same account.
The pickup's driver stayed at the scene, the station reported. Tompkins was taken to Mount Carmel East in critical condition and later died.
Citywide Pedestrian-Safety Context
Vision Zero Columbus says 50% of fatal crashes in Columbus involve a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist, but its page does not specify the time period. That citywide figure does not identify South Hamilton Road near Blakestone Lane as a corridor with elevated crash risk, so it cannot establish whether this specific stretch has higher risk.
Police Unit Investigates Fatal Crash
Columbus's Accident Investigation Unit responded and opened an investigation, according to WSYX. Police have not released further findings.
