INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The body of a 57-year-old Vero Beach man was found in a ditch late Friday after he was struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene, deputies said. The man was taken to an area hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead, said Lt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson for the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
“Evidence on scene pointed to a hit-and-run,” Jaworski said. “The damage on the bike and injuries were consistent with (him) being struck by a vehicle.”
The incident happened shortly before 10 p.m. in the 1100 block of 8th Street, just south of the Vero Beach city limits. The man, traveling on an e-bike with a small bicycle trailer, was headed eastbound on 8th Street when he was struck by the unknown vehicle, Jaworski said.
A passerby found the man’s body in a nearby ditch and called 911. The man was taken by ambulance to HCA Florida Vero Beach Emergency.
Jaworski said the man lived close to the crash site.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers responded to the incident and took over the investigation. Deputies closed 8th Street for about five hours during the probe, Jaworski said.
The man’s next-of-kin was notified of the crash. Highway troopers continue to investigate the deadly wreck.