A walk across the street to fetch the mail had a tragic end for a Tecumseh senior.
Roger Bauer, 75, died after getting hit by a pickup truck on Walker Road Monday night.
Emergency crews were called to the collision in the 6400 block of Walker Road, south of Highway 3, just before 7 p.m.
“He went out, he bundled up. He walks with a cane," says his son Chris Bauer. "He actually picked the paper up, and had the mail in his hand."
The pickup truck was heading southbound on Walker Road. Essex County OPP say its not clear if the driver didn't see Bauer or if Bauer misjudged how far away the vehicle was.
“Unfortunately when he was walking back, he was hit by a large Dodge Ram pickup," says Sgt. Rick Tonial.
The 31-year-old driver of the truck immediately got out and called 9-11.
“He did right thing,” says Tonial. “He stayed on scene, provided info to officers, and provided medical assistance as best as he could."
Unfortunately, Bauer was pronounced dead at the scene.
“From the impact to where his body lie, it had to be some good 50 feet," says Chris Bauer.
Police say it appears that no charges will be laid. That’s something the Bauer family is at peace with.
“We feel bad for the man who hit my father,” says Chris Bauer. “He must be going through some tremendous difficulties now and our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as my mom, siblings, and all of Roger's friends."
Chris Bauer says his father was a retired Chrysler worker and volunteer firefighter. He was a very religious man, who attended Oakwood Bible Chapel.
He says Roger will be sorely missed by friends and family.
“To have a father so precious, gentle, so kind so loving and yeah, I consider myself a very blessed man," says Chris Bauer.
The section of road was closed for several hours as police completed an accident reconstruction. Police believe visibility was a factor.
“It's a high traffic area, high speed, and very dark area," says Tonial.
The incident remains under investigation.
