INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 58-year-old Vero Beach woman and her dog were both struck and killed by a minivan while crossing the street late Sunday, Florida Highway Patrol troopers and fire rescue crews said.
The woman and dog were pronounced dead at the scene, Indian River County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Kyle Kofke said. The woman’s name will be released after her family is notified, FHP spokesman Lt. Yanko Reyes said.
Troopers said a 2001 Ford Windstar, driven by 81-year-old Gail Mercer, of Pinellas County, was traveling northbound about 8:30 p.m. Sunday on 27th Avenue Southwest, near the 15th Street Southwest intersection. The unidentified woman was walking her dog eastbound across 27th Avenue when she crossed into the path of the minivan.
The front left of the vehicle hit the woman, jolting her in a northwestern direction, troopers said. Alcohol was not a factor in the woman’s death, troopers said.
The minivan stopped north of the intersection on the right shoulder. Neither Mercer nor the passenger, 6-year-old Jordan Gillick, Vero Beach, were hurt, troopers said.
It was unclear if any charges were expected. Troopers continue to investigate the deadly wreck.
