Posted on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.
Pittsfield Township police investigate fatal crash on Washtenaw Avenue
By Heather Lockwood
Updated story: Pittsfield police investigate crash that killed pedestrian crossing Washtenaw Avenue
Pittsfield Township police are on the scene of a fatal crash involving a vehicle and pedestrian on Washtenaw Avenue near Torrey Avenue.
Pittsfield Township Deputy Police Director Gordy Schick confirmed a man was killed in the crash. His identity has not been released.
A vehicle was westbound on Washtenaw Avenue just before Carpenter Road when it struck a pedestrian who, according to witnesses, was apparently trying to cross the road, Schick said.
The westbound lane of Washtenaw Avenue is closed from Foster to Hogback roads. It is unclear when the road will reopen.
View Larger Map
Comments
Benjamin
Thu, Oct 14, 2010 : 10:16 a.m.
I was the car that stopped for the man when he first crossed the road, I was in the right lane and he was hit right when he tried crossing the left lane. This horrible accident happened within 10 ft of me. Usually I would use my horn to try and stop him but I didnt this time, I cant help but think what if I would have used my horn would the women have used the brakes. I was the first person to the guy and saw no life in his eyes or even a heart beat. I checked his chest though and not his neck for the beat due to the blood. Sorry this is graphic for people but its reality an flashes in my head constantly. A wonderful lady assisted me in this, telling me to move my car in front and direct traffic. Who ever envolved handled the very good and with respect. Thanks to everyone and my prayers go out to everyone. This is something I will never forget and hope nobody ever has to go through again.
Richard
Tue, Oct 12, 2010 : 7:41 a.m.
Regarding jaywalking... this is a general question; I don't know if it applies here or not, but I've always understood that if you're at an intersection, whether there's a crosswalk marked or not, it's not jaywalking to cross a street from corner to adjacent corner, so that if you were crossing Washtenaw at, say, Torrey, even if there're no markings that's legal. Obviously, any legal signage (i.e. "Do Not Cross Here") would trump that. Anyone know if my understanding is incorrect here? I"m not discussing the intelligence or not of where to cross, just the legality. On a related note, it's not just East of US-23 where Washtenaw is bad. Try figuring out where to walk across Washtenaw as a pedestrian if you're going from the south side of the road to get to Arborland Mall. I really can't figure out a good way not involving going all the way over to Huron Parkway (maybe a 5+ minute walk) or something like that.
GP
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 10:30 p.m.
As walkers, we need to be careful to look both ways before crossing traffic...or find a safer route. As drivers, we need to keep our focus on the road and everything around us. I do not understand how this could have happened. Was the walker not a good judge of distance to speed? Was the driver distracted? I'll be curious to read what actually caused the accident.
FoxviewFarm
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:48 p.m.
Megan, you gave such a gift to someone in their last moments on earth. In a time that so many might not help, you showed compassion and kindness. Again, to the ones that were there, take care of you. Clearly you all are caring, wonderful people.
Deej
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 9:41 p.m.
Megan-I was the one in the van. You are truly a hero. You bravely went up to him and attended to him with no second thoughts. You witnessed his wounds and was ready to give cpr. I could not do what you did. I was too distraught with the heaviness of the situation after seeing him fly 8feet in the air, I was comotosed. From what I saw he was jaywalking, as the cross walk was about 40 feet away. He was crossing right by the crosswalk but not on it. Everyones lives who witnessed this are changed. The other fella who was right next to the drivers car in the left lane was another strong person who actually stopped his car for the man, but the driver on the right ended up hitting him. He was the main witness to this incident. He said he saw everything. May God give us all strength and appreciation for life.
Megan
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:38 p.m.
the nurse didnt have anything to do with the guy.. the nurse helped the girl who hit him and cut his face.. by the time the nurse got there i had already established that he had no pulse and had taken my shirt off to give him one last bit of dignity and cover his face... it was terrible for all... i pray we can all move on..
Megan
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:36 p.m.
The nurse was not the one to cover his head... the nurse didnt have anything to do with the guy she helped the driver who had a laceration across her face.. i took my shirt off.. i felt him lose his pulse and slip away..i took my shirt off for him to have one last bit of dignity... it was sad for all of us... i pray that we can all move on
City Confidential
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 8:04 p.m.
@Bob: the police should start enforcing whatever jaywalking ordinances there may be on the books. Jaywalkers endanger everyone on the road, not just themselves. I don't know if this person was jaywalking, but many people do on this stretch. If there are not enough crosswalks, then some should be added, but until then, people should not be allowed to endanger us all when they dart out into traffic as I see them do everyday.
bob
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 5:19 p.m.
@afterdark...what exactly do you propose the police do?
FoxviewFarm
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 4:43 p.m.
To all that somehow are involved in this, I can only imagine seeing something like this. So horrible for the man and his family, and so difficult for the girl- she will never be able to forget that instant- my heart breaks for all. Thanks...to the nurse, the gentleman that followed her car, those that called 911 and those that stopped to try and help.... Take care of yourselves, too,, as it becomes your reality- seeing something like that shakes you to your very core. It's moments like this where we are reminded that life is so very short- quite the stark reality check. What a rough traffic week in the Ann Arbor area.
Jack
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 4:01 p.m.
In a matter of weeks I have seen numerous accidents on Washtenaw so I agree, something needs to be done!
AfterDark
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:47 p.m.
Washtenaw and Packard east of Carpenter are horrible for the intermingling of vehicular, bike, and pedestrian traffic. The area is even worse after dark (I drive it every night) when people for some reason feel free to walk or ride in the streets with little or no lighting to make them visible to drivers, who have little chance to react by the time they see the hazard. I feel police need to address pedestrian and biker behavior as well as that of motor vehicle operators.
Alex
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:47 p.m.
This stretch of Washtenaw is HORRIBLE to try and cross. From Glencoe hills, its about a quarter mile walk to the nearest crosswalk in either direction. Needless to say most people are in a hurry and end up trying to dodge cars and hop lane-to-lane, standing on the lines waiting for the next lane to clear. I don't know if this was the case today, but I see at least one person nearly get hit this way every day, and it would be so easily avoidable. This is tragic, but everyone needs to remember to PLEASE USE THE CROSSWALKS! They may be few and far between, but they are MUCH safer than trying to frogger your way across 5 lanes of cars going 40-50+ mph.
AndyYpsilanti
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.
Washtenaw Avenue is insanely dangerous for anyone not in a motor vehicle, and even then, not so safe. How many accidents have to happen before we fix it?
John Roos
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 3:18 p.m.
This is a tragic accident. It's terrible and I'm sorry for all who were involved. We need to remember life is fragile every time we get behind the wheel, jump on a bike, motorcycle, scooter, skate board or take a walk.
Deej
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 2:59 p.m.
I was in the car behind the young woman who hit this man. I came out of starbucks and pulled to the further exit not at the light to exit the shopping center. I pulled right behind her. The light was green so she had some speed on the car, when all of sudden, I see the car on the left brake, and something real quick like a rolling log fly in the air. I realized it was a person, and he landed right in front of my car when I stopped. Alot of us got out, and the bus was there, and kept going after going around the accident. Two very brave people tried to help yet his pulse was gone. He appeared to be middle aged and caucasion. I am tramautized by this horrific incident, and was almost that car if I had gone out before her. Makes you realize how short life is. The girls car was all smashed up in the windshield, and she was taken to hospital too. Very distraught, and upset. Thanks to all who stopped and helped, especially the nurse who came out of nowhere and helped. The other lady tried to help the man and she was very brave too. Even starbucks employees came out to help. What a tragedy. WHY ARE THERE NO CROSSWALKS FOR ALMOST A MILE APART in this very dense populated area? This did not have to happen!
Terrin
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 2:55 p.m.
My girlfriend was at this accident. She is a nurse and was the person who went out into the road, took care of the girl driving the car, and who covered the man's face up with the shirt. Sad event.
Barb
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 2:52 p.m.
@LBH - it is indeed. My dentist is right there and just trying to get out onto Washtenaw in a car is tricky. How awful for all involved.
LBH
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 2:39 p.m.
That is a very hair raising stretch of road to try to cross, in fact I can never believe it when I see people trying to do just that. The only somewhat "safe" place would be at the traffic light by the strip mall where Ichiban is located. Very sad for the guy and for the driver.
Larry Works
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 2:18 p.m.
@Ed V. - Never noticed the moderation guidelines before. Thanks for pointing it out and keep up the good work. This tragic accident, and the one on US23 over the weekend are sad enough news.
Bob Martel
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.
Thanks for the map, annarbor.com. It provided good context for the story since I was not exactly sure where this was. I wish the best for all involved.
Atticus F.
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
I see alot of people walking from Glenco Hills and crossing Washtenaw near Torrey. I think there is another AATA route on the other side of that neighborhood. I wonder if it was somone who lived in Glenco Hills.
pvitaly
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 1 p.m.
Oh man.. I just moved to Torrey Ave. I also want to know if the person was crossing or if the car lost control. Very sad
sirotan
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.
This is terrible. I live only a few blocks away from this. Were they trying to cross the street or waiting at that bus stop nearby?
Jack
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 12:37 p.m.
We were one of many who called 911 when we saw the man laying on the ground. I want to send my prayers to all involved in this accident especially to the brave citizen who covered the man's face with a shirt and started directing traffic. I can't get this out of my mind. This was an awful, awful scene.