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Man Killed in Pedestrian Accident in Manatee

The parents of Christopher Vandall, 20, are devastated by their son’s sudden death and hopes of their son joining the military and embarking on a career as a firefighter have been crushed.

Vandall was hit by a car in Manatee while he was walking home from his girlfriend’s house at approximately 10:00 PM February 5, 2009 at 15th Street East and 67th Avenue East.  Vandall died Sunday.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Vandall was walking on the paved shoulder of 15th Street East when the driver of a 2000 Suzuki car veered over the line and onto the shoulder.  The car hit Vandall, sending him into the vehicle’s windshield.

The driver of the Suzuki, Kim R. Daly, 56, told police that she never saw Vandall and that she slammed on her brakes after hitting him, which caused him to roll off the vehicle and onto the shoulder of the road.  Daly was cited with careless driving and not having proof of insurance, said FHP Lt. Chris Miller.

Vandall was airlifted by emergency workers to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.  According to family members, Vandall fought for his life for nine days, but eventually succumbed to his injuries Sunday.

Vandall attended Southeast High School and was passionate about wrestling.  He loved to ride dirt bikes and 4-wheelers.  His father described him as a good friend.  “The thing he loved most was hanging around with his friends.  He was a friend’s friend,” said Harold Vandall, Christopher’s father.

Vandall loved his country and had plans to join the military.  Since his death, there has been a steady stream of friends and family at the Vandall home remembering the good times.

The family is still trying to accept what has happened.  Harold Vandall said that he initially had compassion for the driver, but after hearing about her careless driving citation, he has started to become bitter.

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