Pedestrian Dies Days After Being Struck in Costco Parking Lot in Boca Raton

An 87-year-old Boca Raton man has died days after being struck by a vehicle in a parking lot crash at a Costco store, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred around 4:33 p.m. on March 9 in the parking lot of the Costco Wholesale located at 17800 South Congress Avenue in Boca Raton, Florida.

Authorities say the pedestrian later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

According to investigators, a 2013 Lexus RX 350 was traveling southwest through the Costco parking lot when the driver attempted to make a left turn.

Deputies say the driver failed to yield to a pedestrian who was walking toward the entrance of the store. The front left bumper of the SUV struck the pedestrian, knocking him to the pavement.

The victim was identified as 87-year-old Maurice Kofman of Boca Raton.

Emergency responders transported Kofman to Delray Medical Center with critical injuries following the crash. Authorities later confirmed that he died from his injuries on March 15 at approximately 5:14 p.m.

Family members have been notified.

Investigators say the driver of the vehicle, a 54-year-old woman from Boca Raton, was not injured in the crash. Authorities reported that she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.

According to the sheriff’s office, alcohol or drugs are not suspected as factors in the crash. Officials have not yet announced whether any charges will be filed.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Pedestrian accidents in parking lots

Although parking lots are typically associated with slower vehicle speeds, pedestrian crashes still occur frequently in these areas. Large retail parking lots often have heavy foot traffic combined with vehicles moving through narrow lanes, reversing out of spaces, or turning toward store entrances.

Drivers navigating crowded parking lots may become distracted by other vehicles, pedestrians, or parking availability. When drivers fail to properly check their surroundings or yield to pedestrians, serious injuries can occur even at relatively low speeds.

Older pedestrians may be especially vulnerable to severe injuries in these situations because falls and blunt force trauma can lead to life-threatening complications.

Legal options and potential liability

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, investigators evaluate whether the driver exercised reasonable care and followed traffic laws governing right-of-way. Drivers have a duty to remain alert and yield to pedestrians, particularly in areas where foot traffic is expected, such as store entrances and parking lots.

If a driver fails to yield or otherwise acts negligently, they may be held legally responsible for injuries or fatalities resulting from the crash.

Potential liability in pedestrian accidents may involve:

• Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians
• Distracted or careless driving in parking lots
• Property owners who fail to maintain safe pedestrian pathways
• Poor signage or dangerous traffic flow patterns in commercial parking areas

When a fatal crash occurs, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. These claims can help families recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages associated with the loss of a loved one.

Investigation ongoing

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash that occurred in the Costco parking lot on South Congress Avenue in Boca Raton. Authorities have not yet announced whether any citations or charges will be issued.

Pedestrian crashes can have devastating consequences for families and communities. When a fatal accident occurs, understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash is critical to determining whether negligence played a role.