Killed pedestrian was jaywalking

Tuesday, March 4, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Investigators have determined that a 39-year-old man killed while crossing Las Vegas Boulevard South was jaywalking.

The victim, who was carrying identification on him listing a home address in High Ridge, Mo., was about 70 feet from the nearest crosswalk when he was hit about 4:20 p.m. Monday near Hacienda Avenue, said Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Steve Harney.

Evidence at the scene indicated that Eric Gardner, 23, applied the brakes of his southbound 1991 Chevy pickup the moment he saw the man run into the street and skidded 91 feet before hitting him with the left front of the truck, Harney said.

The vehicle skidded another 80 feet before coming to a full stop just behind where the victim landed. Authorities said the man died instantly.

NHP determined that Gardner was traveling an estimated 42 mph in the 45 mph zone when the accident occurred, and was not at fault, Harney said.

The accident forced authorities to close two southbound lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard until about 6 p.m., Harney said.

The victim, whose name has been withheld until relatives can be notified, was the fourth person in less than 18 months to die in the same area while jaywalking, Harney said.