Nice >> A pedestrian crossing Highway 20 was fatally hit by a vehicle Monday afternoon.
Investigators with the California Highway Patrol identified the victim as Nice resident Timothy Hartnett, 68.
The incident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. near Tower Mart. According to a report by investigating officer Kyle Zerbel, Hartnett entered the road as Aaron Simpson, driving 2000 Jeep Cherokee westbound on Highway 20, approached the location traveling at 40 miles per hour. Hartnett was wearing dark clothing.
After impact, the victim landed on the road before being moved to the right shoulder. Simpson, 42, stopped his vehicle in the lane then moved it over to the shoulder as well, Zerbel reported.
Though the investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing, Zerbel noted that Simpson did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Hartnett was flown out to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital via REACH air ambulance where he succumbed to his injuries.
