NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A 60-year-old Bellevue woman was struck by a pickup truck and killed Thursday night while hanging yard sale signs along Highway 70S.
Metro police said Patricia Sharpe was crossing the highway at Colice Jeanne Road around 10:45 a.m. when she was hit.
Sharpe, who investigators said was in the crosswalk, died at the scene.
The driver of the truck, Cameron Clark, 18, of Burns, told officers that as he approached the intersection, a pickup truck stopped on the shoulder caught his attention.
He said when he looked back in front of him, he saw Sharpe walk into his path.
Clark said he didn't have time to avoid the collision.
"The driver said he saw her at the very last second and applied his brakes. Of course, perception and reaction, quite a bit of distance can be covered before even apply your brakes," Metro police Sgt. Mark Denton said.
Based on Clark's statement and that of a witness, police said it appears the traffic signal had cycled from green to yellow as he entered the intersection.
There was no evidence of alcohol or drug involvement at the scene and no charges were filed.
Police said the contributing factor to Sharpe's death appears to be her failure to yield.
Investigators said she evidently didn't have the green light to walk across the roadway.
Sgt. Denton said Sharpe's death should serve as a tragic reminder for pedestrian safety.
"Never assume the vehicle sees you," he said. "Always cross at an intersection and always cross with the light."
The investigation is ongoing.
