A pedestrian who was walking on the sidewalk in Downtown Jacksonville was struck and killed by a vehicle Monday morning, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
JSO said they responded to a crash at Union and Laura Streets around 6:05 a.m. with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. The roads were briefly shut down in the area as authorities responded to the scene.
When they arrived at the scene, they found the pedestrian, identified as a 55-year-old black woman, suffering from life-threatening injuries. They transported her to the hospital where she later died.
Upon investigating, JSO learned that the driver of a Chevy Tahoe was traveling eastbound on Union Street when, at the intersection of Laura Street, he left the road and drove into the sidewalk, striking the pedestrian. The driver continued along the sidewalk and struck the parking garage of First Baptist Church where he later came to a rest.
Witnesses told police that the driver appeared unconscious inside of the vehicle when the accident happened. At this time, JSO doesn't know if the accident was caused by a medical issue. Police say there were no traces of drugs or alcohol.
The driver stayed at the scene and told police that he didn't remember what happened and doesn't have a medical history that would have caused him to veer off the road unexpectedly.
JSO said the driver is at fault for the accident, but no charges were filed at this time. JSO said if anything, the driver will be ticketed.
The identities of the driver and pedestrian haven't been released.