BRISTOL, Bristol County, R.I., Sept. 25, 2026 — A 64-year-old man has died after he was struck by a car in Bristol Wednesday night, September 23, according to authorities.
The crash happened at the intersection of State Street and Thames Street, where first responders were called after reports that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle. The man was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Details about the driver, including whether any charges are expected, have not been released.
The crash remains under investigation. It is not yet known what led up to the collision or whether speed, visibility, or right of way played a role.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
How Investigators Piece Together a Fatal Pedestrian Crash
Work at the scene of a fatal pedestrian crash usually starts before the victim has even left for the hospital. Officers measure skid marks, photograph the roadway and any damage, and look for surveillance or dashcam footage from nearby businesses or homes. In many cases a reconstruction specialist is brought in to calculate speed and impact points, which can take investigators well beyond the night of the crash itself.
Names of victims are typically withheld until relatives have been notified in person, a step agencies treat as a priority over releasing information quickly. That notification process, combined with the need to confirm identity through official channels, is why a name reaches the public only after a delay.
Toxicology results and a final crash report can take weeks because lab testing is not instant and investigators want the complete picture, including witness statements and any available video, before drawing conclusions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 24 percent of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were struck by hit-and-run drivers in 2023, one reason agencies are careful not to release preliminary findings before they are confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do if they witness a pedestrian being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately, avoid moving the injured person unless there is immediate danger, and wait for emergency responders. If safe to do so, note details like the vehicle's direction of travel and any identifying features.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Rhode Island law generally gives pedestrians the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers and pedestrians both share responsibility for watching traffic and crossing safely.
What injuries are most common in pedestrian crashes?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries, since there is little protecting them from the impact compared to someone inside a car.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Bristol, RI
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away so police and medical crews can respond. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries, particularly to the head or internal organs, are not immediately obvious.
Cooperating with responding officers and providing an accurate account of what was seen helps investigators build a complete picture of what happened. Anyone with photos, video, or other information related to a pedestrian crash is typically encouraged to share it with local police as the investigation continues.
