Clearwater Man Dies After Wheelchair Vs. Truck Crash

CLEARWATER, FL — The 73-year-old Clearwater man struck by a pickup truck on Missouri Avenue Thursday afternoon has died from his injuries.

According to the Clearwater Police Department, James F. Thompson was airlifted to Bayfront Hospital following the crash. Thompson, however, died a short time after his arrival.

Police say the crash that led to Thompson’s death occurred as he was attempting to cross Missouri Avenue in a motorized wheelchair. Thompson was in a crosswalk, but moved under a red light, the agency noted in an email to media.

Thompson’s wheelchair was struck by a pickup driven by William J. Whitehurst, 65, of Palm Harbor. Police say Whitehurst was driving north in the middle lane as Thompson was crossing. Whitehurst, the email said, had a green light.

No further information is available at this time.

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