Editor’s Note: FHP has since clarified that no vehicles remained at the scene. Sheriff’s officials initially said the man was hit by a semi-truck, but that information cannot be confirmed.
FELLSMERE — A 55-year-old Melbourne man was killed after he laid down on the roadway along southbound Interstate 95 and was struck by several vehicles late Saturday, Florida Highway Patrol troopers and sheriff’s officials said. The incident caused officials to block southbound lanes on the interstate for about five hours.
“No vehicles that struck (the man) remained on scene,” FHP Lieutenant Indiana Miranda said on Tuesday. “At this time, we are asking that if anyone was traveling in the area of southbound Interstate 95 at the 155 mile-marker and believe that they may have struck an animal or unknown object to contact Corporal Joshua Gentry at 772-468-4045 or joshuagentry@flhsmv.gov.”
Several agencies, including the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Fellsmere Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol, responded to the wreck. Highway troopers were leading the investigation.
Sheriff’s officials received several 911 calls from motorists about 9:38 p.m. about a man who laid down on the highway near mile marker 155 along the southbound lanes, said spokesperson Sgt. Kevin Jaworski.
Deputies initially said the man was run over by a semi-truck and that they spoke with driver. Sheriff’s officials said at first glance it appeared the semi-truck struck the man.
Troopers said the man was struck by several vehicles in the outside lane of the interstate. Troopers did not have information on the man being hit by the semi-truck.
Deputies found the man’s body lying in the roadway.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, said Fellsmere Police Chief Keith Touchberry. Deputies found the man’s vehicle parked along the shoulder of I-95 near the crash site.
Law enforcement officers shut down the southbound lanes at mile marker 156, Jaworski said. Traffic was diverted through Fellsmere on County Road 512, Touchberry said.
All lanes reopened by 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Jaworski said. The deadly collision remains under investigation.