ME identifies man hit and killed by produce truck on Route 65

A man was struck and killed early Friday by a produce truck on Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard) in Avalon, police said.The medical examiner's office identified the victim as Kent Taylor, 24.Allegheny County detectives said Taylor was walking in the northbound passing lane when the truck hit him shortly after 3 a.m.Taylor had a tattoo of what may be a lock and key in the shape of a heart on his upper left chest and police used this clue to help identify him."I've been around here 18 years maybe, and this is a dangerous stretch of road," Avalon Police Chief Thomas Kokoski said. "It's unfortunate. It's an horrific event here."Witnesses told police Taylor was walking near the middle of the highway before he was struck, even though there were clear sidewalks in the area. A woman tried CPR but was unable to save him.Investigators shut down the road in both directions near Elizabeth Avenue while forensics crews took pictures at the crash scene.Police said the driver didn't appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and a blood test will be done to confirm that.The manner of death is pending investigation.Download the WTAE mobile app to stay updated with breaking news throughout the day. (Free in your app store for Apple or Android devices.)

A man was struck and killed early Friday by a produce truck on Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard) in Avalon, police said.

The medical examiner's office identified the victim as Kent Taylor, 24.


Allegheny County detectives said Taylor was walking in the northbound passing lane when the truck hit him shortly after 3 a.m.

Taylor had a tattoo of what may be a lock and key in the shape of a heart on his upper left chest and police used this clue to help identify him.

"I've been around here 18 years maybe, and this is a dangerous stretch of road," Avalon Police Chief Thomas Kokoski said. "It's unfortunate. It's an horrific event here."

Witnesses told police Taylor was walking near the middle of the highway before he was struck, even though there were clear sidewalks in the area. A woman tried CPR but was unable to save him.

Investigators shut down the road in both directions near Elizabeth Avenue while forensics crews took pictures at the crash scene.

Police said the driver didn't appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and a blood test will be done to confirm that.

The manner of death is pending investigation.

Download the WTAE mobile app to stay updated with breaking news throughout the day. (Free in your app store for Apple or Android devices.)