80-YEAR-OLD PEDESTRIAN HIT IN CROSSWALK, DIES AT HOSPITAL

UPDATE: Tuscaloosa Police identified the deceased as 80-year-old Thomas Hammond of Tuscaloosa.

TUSCALOOSA – An 80-year-old man attempting to cross University Boulevard died at DCH Regional Medical Center Tuesday night after he was hit by a car.

According to a spokesperson for Tuscaloosa Police Department, the man stepped in front of a car at the intersection of 21st Avenue and University Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. Police say he was in the crosswalk when the car hit him.

Witnesses at a nearby restaurant, Taco Mama, said the sound of the man’s cane snapping got their attention. When they looked in the sound’s direction they saw him on the hood of the car. He was wearing a cowboy hat the impact knocked several feet down the street.

First responders said the 80-year-old sustained serious injuries to his head and legs. He was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center for emergency treatment.

According to a friend of the victim, he died at the hospital around 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Prior to the victim’s death,  Tuscaloosa Police Chief Steve Anderson said no arrests were made or charges filed.

WVUA 23 is withholding the name of the deceased until Tuscaloosa Police conclude their initial investigation and release his identity.