Racine man dies after being hit by car on Highway 31

Racine police responded to a terrible accident yesterday afternoon at South Green Bay Road and Kinzie Avenue. A pedestrian walking along the state highway was hit by a passing car and thrown 30 feet. The accident happened at 5:21 p.m. and the 59-year-old victim, Richard Munson, was pronounced dead at 7:10 p.m. at St. Mary's.

The 37-year-old driver of the car stayed at the scene and was not ticketed. Here's the release from police:

On Tuesday January 1, 2008 at 5:21 p.m., Racine Police responded to S. Greenbay Rd & Kinzie Av for the report of a traffic crash involving a pedestrian. As officers arrived on scene, they found that the pedestrian had been thrown from the roadway onto the adjacent property about 30 feet from the initial crash point. The 59 year old male pedestrian (later identified as Richard Munson 05-07-48 of 617 S. Greenbay Rd) was transported by rescue to the Wheaton Franciscan Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead at 7:10 p.m.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian was walking or standing near the roadway edge when he was struck by a northbound vehicle operated by a 37 year old female. The vehicle operator remained at the scene, and as of this time, has not been cited for any traffic violation.

The investigation is continuing and it is unknown at this time whether road conditions, lighting conditions, or the visibility of the pedestrian’s clothing are a factor in the crash.