Man struck, killed by vehicle in Yuma

UPDATED AT 7:45PM - An 82-year-old Yuma man died early Wednesday morning after being struck by a car as he was attempting to cross 24th Street.

Sgt. Leanne Worthen said that at about 6:16 a.m., officers responded to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian at 24th Street and Olivia Avenue.

Worthen said the investigation into the accident determined that a 2001 Ford Explorer was traveling eastbound on 24th Street and was involved in a collision with a pedestrian who was crossing 24th Street headed south at Olivia Avenue.

The Explorer was driven by Ernest Martinez, 55, of Yuma. The pedestrian was Pedro Hernandez, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

As a result of the investigation, 24th Street was closed between Pacific Avenue and Kennedy Lane until 8:50 a.m. During that time motorists were advised to find alternate routes to avoid the area.

The collision remains under investigation.

A second pedestrian was also struck by a vehicle on 24th Street about four hours later, at 10:29 a.m. near 24th Drive.

Worthen said in this collision a 57-year-old female was walking along the sidewalk when she was struck by a 2005 white Chevy Tahoe that was pulling out of a private driveway. The Tahoe was being driven by a 27-year-old female.

After being hit, the pedestrian fell into the road, hitting her head. She was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

The Yuma Police Department asks any witnesses of either collision to call Investigator Tina Cox at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime to remain anonymous.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter at @YSJamesGilbert.