Lede: A 29-year-old man known for his love of animals passed away on September 30, 2023, following a tragic accident in Springfield.
According to the Springfield Police Department, the man was struck by a vehicle while walking along Maple Street around 6:15 p.m. Witnesses reported that the driver, a 45-year-old woman, remained at the scene and called emergency services.
Emergency responders from the Springfield Fire Department arrived shortly after, providing medical aid. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries. Authorities confirmed that he had been a dedicated animal advocate, treating pets as family.
The driver of the vehicle was cooperative with the investigation, which remains ongoing. No charges have been filed at this time. Maple Street was temporarily closed to facilitate an investigation and accident reconstruction, impacting traffic flow during peak hours.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.