Personal Injury Law

Wide Receiver Stallworth from Cleveland Browns Hits & Kills a Pedestrian

By Jessica Smagacz

Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) reported that wide receiver Donte Stallworth, 28 years old, from the Cleveland Browns hit and killed a pedestrian with his Bentley earlier this Saturday morning. This occurred on a busy causeway between Miami and Miami Beach.

He was headed for the beach when the tragic accident occurred. He hit Mario Reyes, a 59 year old, at 7 a.m. 'Reyes was taken to a nearby trauma center, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later.'

Apparently, Reyes was near a sidewalk but it is unclear if he was crossing legally.

AJC reports that Stallworth is cooperating and no charges have been filed. As part of routine procedure, blood was drawn for drugs and alcohol. These results can take anywhere from three days to three weeks, reported Miami Beach police spokesman Juan Sanchez.

Right now, 'police would not say where Stallworth was coming from or where he was headed, and Sanchez didn't have anymore information about Reyes.'

The property records in Miami-Dade County show that he owns two condos on Biscayne Blvd. in Miami not far from where the accident occurred.

The team said, 'We understand the seriousness of this situation, but will not have any further comment at this time as this is an ongoing investigation.'

Stallworth did sign a seven-year contract worth 35 million dollars with the Browns as a free agent but hardly played because he had an injury.

Our thoughts are with Reyes family in this time of tragedy.

Pedestrian safety is very important. According to the Pedestrian Safety Campaign, a pedestrian is killed or injured every seven minutes. This is definitely an issue that affects all of us.

We as Americans do walk places and it can be anywhere from a stroll around the corner, walking to a friend's house or to work, or to exercise. Because of this, we need to be careful when we are walking. Each year, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed.

Right now the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is 'working to make a difference and make walking safer. FHWA created the Pedestrian Safety Campaign Planner in collaboration with national and local pedestrian safety advocates to educate pedestrians and drivers about ways to improve pedestrian safety.' For more information, click here.

Full post as published by Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer on March 14, 2009 (boomark / email).