It happened around 1:20 p.m. Sunday on the 4000 block of the Boulevard.
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Police say a 69-year-old man was crossing the roadway, but not at a crosswalk, when he was struck by a vehicle.
A family member at the scene identifies the victim as Melford Pinckney.
Pinckney was taken to Einstein Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
His family says Pinckney had just left his home when he crossed the busy 12-lane boulevard. They don't know where he was going, and why he didn't drive, but the last thing his wife apparently said to him was 'be careful.'
A witness who works steps from the crash site told Action News, "I just stood and said a prayer over him."
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Witness Kenneth Jackson wasn't sure what he heard until he rushed to his window that overlooks the southbound lanes of the Boulevard.
"And I saw somebody giving the guy CPR," Jackson said.
Residents have long said Roosevelt Boulevard is a dangerous place for pedestrians as illustrated by the stuffed animals and candles that line the sidewalks. They even argue that crossing at any spot is a gamble with your safety.
"It doesn't matter if you go to that crosswalk by Adams and Garland, the lights change too quick, by the time a person crosses from one side to the other, they don't give you enough time to cross, it's dangerous and that's why you still have these accidents," the witness said.
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Police continue to investigate.
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