LAWRENCE CO., Ill. - A Bridgeport man is dead after an accident last night in Lawrence County, wherein he had been laying in the roadway and was subsequently struck by a passing car.
Illinois State Police were called to the scene of the accident shortly after 9 p.m. last night, Friday, April 19.
Preliminary investigative details indicate that a pedestrian, Robert L. Reeves, 42 of Bridgeport, was laying in the westbound lane of traffic of County Road 700 North near the intersection of Billet Lane, Lawrenceville.
A passing vehicle stopped facing east in an attempt to assist Reeves, as a red 2003 Pontiac Vibe being driven by a 16-year-old female from Lawrence County approached traveling west. With her was a passenger, John A. Stanley, 21, also of Lawrenceville.
Because Reeves was lying down and wearing dark-colored clothing, the driver was apparently unable to see him, and the Pontiac struck Reeves. No one in the vehicle was injured, nor was the initial person who stopped to assist.
Lawrence County Coroner Shannon Steffey pronounced Reeves deceased at 9:19 p.m. No charges have been filed at this time.