Pedestrian struck, killed in Wilmington

WILMINGTON (WPVI) -- Delaware State Police are investigating after a pedestrian was struck and killed in Wilmington.

The incident happened around 5:57 p.m. Saturday in the westbound lanes of Kirkwood Highway in the area of Delaware Park Boulevard.

Police said a 59-year-old man was walking in the crosswalk when he entered the road and was struck by Ronald Niblett, the driver of a 2006 Honda Accord.

Upon impact, the victim was vaulted over the roof of the vehicle. He then landed in the roadway where he came to rest.

Niblett brought his vehicle to a stop a short distance from the scene.

The victim was rushed to Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His name is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

Niblett, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, was not injured.

Investigators determined the victim was not carrying a light at the time of the crash, and ignored the no crossing signal that was activated.

It is unknown if impairment by alcohol or drugs on the part of the victim was a factor in the crash. It is not being considered a factor on behalf of the driver.

The westbound lanes of Kirkwood Highway were closed for approximately two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.