Independence, Missouri – In the early hours of Friday morning, tragedy struck as a pedestrian lost their life in a collision with a Kia Rio on MO-78, 23rd Street, near Norton Avenue. The Independence Police Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation to piece together the events leading to this fatal incident. The incident unfolded around 12:22 a.m.
when authorities received a distress call about a pedestrian being hit on a busy stretch of road. According to initial reports, 78-year-old Charles Courtois was crossing the street when he was struck by a Kia Rio traveling eastbound. The collision occurred on MO-78, a significant thoroughfare in Independence.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, but sadly, Charles Courtois was pronounced dead upon their arrival. The impact of the collision left a somber atmosphere on the otherwise quiet early morning streets. The Independence Police Department cordoned off the area, initiating an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
The driver of the Kia Rio involved in the collision remained at the scene and is reported to be cooperating fully with authorities. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, is providing valuable information to investigators. It remains unclear at this point whether any factors such as speed, visibility, or road conditions contributed to the collision.
As of now, the Independence Police Department continues its thorough investigation into the incident. Crash reconstruction experts, along with detectives, are meticulously examining the scene and gathering evidence to understand the dynamics of the collision.
The investigation aims to provide a comprehensive account of the events leading up to the tragedy and to determine if any legal actions need to be taken. The loss of a community member, especially in such tragic circumstances, reverberates throughout the community. Charles Courtois, at 78 years old, was a member of the Independence community, and his passing has left friends, family, and neighbors mourning.
The Independence Police Department is working to ensure that a clear understanding of the incident is reached, offering some closure to those affected by this heartbreaking event. As Independence mourns the loss of Charles Courtois, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death continues.
The Independence Police Department urges anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. The aftermath of this tragic collision serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for ongoing efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
