Mary Lastinger, 57, was struck and killed by a truck while riding a tricycle across a marked crosswalk on GA-73 (East Parrish Street) in Statesboro, Georgia, on Dec. 10. Officials say the pedestrian signal displayed a steady "don’t walk" hand when she entered the roadway; the truck had a green light. First responders used a LUCAS device to administer CPR, but Lastinger was pronounced dead just before 9 a.m. Surveillance footage captured the collision, and investigators note the tricycle's low profile and morning sun may have reduced the driver’s visibility. Authorities continue to investigate.
Statesboro Tragedy: 57-Year-Old Mary Lastinger Killed After Truck Strikes Her Tricycle in Crosswalk
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A 57-year-old woman, identified as Mary Lastinger, died after being struck by a truck while riding a tricycle across a marked crosswalk in Statesboro, Georgia, on Dec. 10.
What Happened
According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and local officials, a trooper responded to a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash on GA-73 (East Parrish Street) at about 8:42 a.m. Witnesses reported the pedestrian was not breathing when first responders arrived and that CPR was being performed using a LUCAS mechanical chest-compression device. Lastinger was pronounced dead just before 9 a.m., Bulloch County Coroner Chuck Francis told PEOPLE.
GSP investigators say Lastinger was riding a tricycle north across GA-73 within a marked crosswalk when she entered the roadway while the pedestrian signal displayed a steady "stop/don't walk" hand. The truck, described by witnesses as white, was traveling east on East Parrish Street with a green traffic signal and struck Lastinger with its front bumper.
Google MapsE Parrish St & N Main St in Statesboro, Georgia
Visibility And Other Factors
Bulloch County Deputy Coroner Richard Pylant and witnesses noted that the tricycle's low profile and bright morning sun may have reduced the driver’s ability to see Lastinger. "She was on her tricycle, which sits low to the ground ... I think he just never saw her; he had the green light, and she exited into the crosswalk on the bicycle," Pylant told the Statesboro Herald.
"I have footage of her being run over by the truck," said Mark Carpenter, owner of a nearby tire shop, who provided surveillance video of the collision to local news.
Identification And Investigation
Authorities said Lastinger had no identification at the scene; her identity was later confirmed with a fingerprint scanner. Local and state law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the crash to determine all contributing factors, including whether visibility, vehicle speed, pedestrian signal compliance, or other conditions played a role.
The community reacted with shock and sympathy as the holidays approach; a nearby shop owner expressed concern for Lastinger’s family during what would be a difficult season.
