Pedestrian Struck While Standing in Highway

Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Police Department is investigating a Saturday night vehicle vs. pedestrian accident on Highway 281.

The crash happened at 7:38 p.m. in the southbound lanes of Highway 281 just south of the Union Pacific Railroad overpass and north of the intersection of Stolley Park Road and Highway 281.

A red SUV was traveling southbound in the left lane of HWY 281 when it crested the overpass and struck a pedestrian standing in the middle of the left lane. It’s unknown why the pedestrian had been walking in the middle of the traffic lane. The roadway did have shoulders, but no sidewalks or pedestrian bridge.

The pedestrian has been identified as a 34-year-old male, Keith Hudgeons, who is known to be a transient in the Grand Island area. Keith was transported to the CHI Health St. Francis emergency room for treatment of life-threatening injuries. An elder couple from Lawrence, Neb. were in the vehicle and not injured. No citations have been issued.  The accident is being investigated by the GIPD Accident Reconstruction Team.

For more information, GIPD Captain Dean Elliott will be available from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at (308) 385-5400, Ext. 2213.