Ocklawaha Man Killed in Pedestrian Crash on County Road 25 Near Belleview

A 32-year-old Ocklawaha man was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by a pickup truck while walking on County Road 25 near Belleview.

The September 22, 2026 crash occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. at County Road 25 and Southeast 102nd Terrace, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers reported that the pedestrian was walking in the westbound lane of County Road 25 when the driver of a pickup truck did not see him and struck him.

The pedestrian died at the scene.

Authorities have not released the man’s identity or provided additional information about what may have prevented the pickup driver from seeing him.

What Happened on County Road 25?

Marion County Fire Rescue and FHP responded to the crash shortly after 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.

According to troopers, the 32-year-old man was walking on County Road 25 in the westbound lane.

A pickup truck driver did not see the pedestrian and struck him.

The available report does not identify the pickup driver, specify how fast the vehicle was traveling or provide additional details about the moments immediately preceding the collision.

What Caused the Fatal Pedestrian Crash?

The circumstances remain under investigation.

FHP’s preliminary account indicates that the pickup driver did not see the pedestrian before the collision.

Investigators may attempt to determine why.

Because the crash occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m., visibility conditions could be relevant. Investigators may examine available daylight, roadway lighting, the pedestrian’s location and clothing, the pickup’s headlights and whether anything obstructed the driver’s view.

The available report does not establish that any particular visibility issue caused the collision.

Why the Pedestrian’s Location on the Roadway Matters

FHP reported that the pedestrian was walking in the westbound lane of County Road 25.

Florida Statute § 316.130 contains several rules governing pedestrians using or crossing roadways. Which provisions apply can depend on factors such as whether a sidewalk was available, where the pedestrian was walking and the design of the roadway.

The pedestrian’s presence in a travel lane will likely be an important part of the investigation, but it does not eliminate the need to examine the pickup driver’s actions.

Investigators may consider what each person could reasonably see and do in the seconds before impact.

Drivers Have Duties to Watch for Pedestrians

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because they have virtually no protection when struck by a motor vehicle.

Drivers are expected to remain attentive to their surroundings and respond appropriately to people, vehicles and hazards they can reasonably perceive.

In this case, investigators may examine whether the pickup driver had an opportunity to see the pedestrian and take evasive action before the collision.

The report that the driver did not see the pedestrian does not, by itself, establish whether the driver acted negligently.

Speed May Be Examined

Florida Statute § 316.183 generally requires drivers to operate at a reasonable and prudent speed under existing conditions.

Vehicle speed can be relevant even when there is no allegation that a driver exceeded the posted speed limit.

Investigators may attempt to determine the pickup’s speed, the distance from which the pedestrian could have been visible and how much time the driver had to react.

The available report does not indicate that speeding contributed to the crash.

Evidence That Could Help Explain the Collision

Potential evidence may include:

• Traffic or surveillance camera footage
• Video from nearby homes or businesses
• Witness statements
• Crash-scene photographs and measurements
• Vehicle damage
• Tire marks and roadway debris
• Event data recorder information
• Headlight and vehicle inspections
• Roadway lighting and visibility conditions
• The pedestrian’s location and clothing
• 911 and emergency response records
• Cellphone records when legally obtainable

This evidence may help investigators determine when the pedestrian became visible to the pickup driver and whether the collision could have been avoided.

Could Comparative Fault Apply?

Florida Statute § 768.81 may become relevant if evidence establishes that the actions of more than one person contributed to the crash.

The fact that FHP reported the pedestrian was walking in the westbound lane could become significant when evaluating responsibility.

At the same time, investigators may examine whether the pickup driver was attentive, traveling at an appropriate speed and had a reasonable opportunity to perceive the pedestrian.

Responsibility should therefore be based on the complete evidence rather than the fact that the pedestrian was in the roadway alone.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Fla. Stat. §§ 768.16 through 768.26, may provide a civil remedy when a person’s death results from another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

If evidence ultimately establishes that another party negligently caused or contributed to this collision, the personal representative of the pedestrian’s estate may potentially pursue a wrongful death action for the benefit of eligible survivors and the estate.

Whether such a claim exists here will depend on what the investigation determines about the actions of both the pedestrian and pickup driver.

FHP Continues to Investigate the Belleview-Area Crash

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the September 22 pedestrian crash on County Road 25 at Southeast 102nd Terrace near Belleview.

Troopers say a 32-year-old Ocklawaha man was walking in the westbound lane when he was struck by a pickup truck whose driver did not see him.

The pedestrian died at the scene.

Authorities have not released his identity or additional details explaining the circumstances leading to the collision.

We extend our condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones following this tragic crash.