A 77-year-old man from Vermont was fatally struck on Interstate 95 in Florida Sunday afternoon while attempting to help a turtle cross the highway, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. near Sebastian, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The man, whose identity and hometown have not been released, was trying to guide the turtle safely across the southbound lanes when tragedy struck.
Troopers reported that a car traveling in the center lane slowed to avoid hitting the man. However, a 2020 Dodge RAM pickup truck following behind failed to stop in time, rear-ending the car.
The collision sent the car veering off the roadway, and the truck then struck the 77-year-old pedestrian.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash triggered a lengthy investigation, shutting down southbound lanes of I-95 for several hours. Traffic resumed flowing normally around 8:30 p.m., troopers said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
