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Manatee Pedestrian Accident Kills 59-Year-Old Man

A Manatee car accident results in the death of a 59-year-old pedestrian who was attempting to cross a busy street. The incident took place at approximately 6:30 PM on Monday evening, November 9, 2009 near the 1800 block of Cortez Road.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the victim, Dennis L. Erlandson, 59, of Bradenton, was attempting to cross the busy street at 17th Street West when he allegedly stepped in front of a 1999 Ford pickup truck. He was walking from the north shoulder to the south shoulder when the driver of the truck, who was heading east on Cortez Road, could not avoid Erlandson and slammed into the pedestrian.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Erlandson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses arrived on the scene to see a blanket covered body laying on the road as well as several Florida Highway Patrol cruisers and emergency vehicles blocking the busy roadway. Many of the witnesses commented on how dangerous it is to cross Cortez Road and indicated that there should be more street lights installed.

The incident is still under investigation. However, neither speed nor alcohol is believed to be contributing factors in the accident, according to troopers. Charges are not expected to be filed against the 33-year-old driver of the pickup truck who is from Bradenton.

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