ST. GEORGE, Utah — An elderly man and his dog both suffered fatal injuries in southern Utah Wednesday morning when they were hit by an SUV, and police stated they believe the early morning sunlight may have been a factor in the crash.
According to information from the St. George Police Department, 86-year-old Gerald Gilsdorf of St. George suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle around 7:15 a.m. while he was crossing Sunset Boulevard in the area of 1400 West.
St. George News reports the man’s dog was also hit and killed in the crash.
An eastbound vehicle was attempting to turn left and travel north on 1400 West, and Gilsdorf was in the center turn lane when he was struck by the vehicle, according to police. The vehicle was doing an estimated 20 to 25 mph at the time of impact.
“[He] appeared to be crossing Sunset just west of 1400 West, not at a crosswalk, not even at an actual intersection, just mid-block,” St. George Police Officer Tyrell Bangerter told St. George News.
Emergency crews responded, and Gilsdorf was taken to Dixie Regional Medical Center and then was transported via LifeFlight to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where he later died due to injuries suffered in the crash.
The driver of the vehicle was not injured, and police stated they were investigating the accident and will be reviewing it for any potential charges.
Police stated, “It is believed that early morning sun may have been a factor in this accident.”
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them at 435-627-4300.
Click here for local coverage of this story from St. George News.
