Hawthorne, FL (September 14, 2026) – A 37-year-old man died early on Saturday, September 12, after being struck by two tractor-trailers on US-301 near Southeast 111th Avenue, according to state troopers. The crash happened around midnight, authorities said.
Troopers said the man, from St. Petersburg, had been involved in a single-vehicle crash and left his car on the east grass shoulder of northbound US-301. He then walked into the roadway, according to authorities. While in the roadway, he was hit by a tractor-trailer, troopers said; he was struck by a second tractor-trailer shortly after, according to the report, and died at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released the names of the truck drivers or said whether any charges are expected.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim’s family.
What the Numbers Show About Truck-Involved Fatal Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4 percent of large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had blood alcohol concentrations of .08 g/dL or higher in 2023. That means the overwhelming majority of fatal truck crashes involve sober drivers, pointing to other factors such as visibility, following distance, road conditions, or the actions of other people on the roadway.
Pedestrians struck on highways face long odds because of vehicle size and speed differences. A person in a travel lane, especially at night, is difficult for any driver to see in time to stop, regardless of how alert that driver is.
Federal crash data consistently show that pedestrian deaths on higher-speed roads climb after dark. Limited lighting, high speeds, and the time drivers have to react all play a role in whether a pedestrian in the roadway is seen soon enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does speed affect whether someone survives a crash?
Higher speeds shorten the time a driver has to react and increase the force involved in any impact. Even a modest increase in speed can significantly reduce the odds of survival for a pedestrian or occupant.
Why is seat belt use still emphasized so much?
Seat belts keep occupants positioned inside the vehicle and reduce the chance of being thrown from it or against the interior during a crash. They remain one of the most effective ways to reduce serious injury in a vehicle-involved wreck.
What should a family do after a loved one dies in a crash like this?
Families can request the official crash report from the investigating agency once it’s completed, and can contact the medical examiner’s office for information on next steps. Keeping records of any correspondence with authorities can help later.
How do authorities investigate a fatal crash involving a pedestrian and trucks?
Investigators typically examine the scene, review vehicle data and dashcam or nearby surveillance footage if available, and interview drivers and witnesses. Toxicology results and mechanical inspections may also factor into the final report.
What to Do After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Hawthorne, Florida
If you witness a crash involving a pedestrian, call 911 immediately and avoid entering the roadway unless it’s safe to do so. Stay back from moving traffic and let first responders manage the scene.
If you’re a family member trying to get information after a loss like this, reach out directly to the Florida Highway Patrol for the official report and to the local medical examiner’s office for guidance on next steps. It can also help to write down what you know and when you learned it, since investigations can take time and details may come in stages.
Anyone who was nearby or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash is frequently asked to contact investigators, even if they don’t think what they saw is significant.
