An Eden Prairie man was struck by an eastbound vehicle while “walking against traffic” in the crosswalk on Highway 5 near Eden Prairie Road, according to the State Patrol.
The accident occurred at 7:08 a.m. Monday. The patrol website posted information at 6 p.m. Monday, identifying the pedestrian as John Thomas Nordeen, 80.
Jolene Lorraine Santema, 59, of Eden Prairie, was identified as the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident. She was driving a 2008 Mazda 6, was wearing her seat belt, and was not injured.
No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
When asked to clarify the meaning of “walking against traffic,” a State Patrol spokesman stated that the accident is still under investigation, and no further information can be released at this time beyond what is currently available.
However, EPLN has learned the victim was reportedly struck while in the crosswalk, and the eastbound Highway 5 traffic had a green light at the time of the incident.
Following the incident, the authorities closed the eastbound lanes of Highway 5 and the turn lanes leading to eastbound Highway 5, as reported by The Star Tribune. The lanes were reopened just after 9 a.m.
Editor’s note: The story was updated on Monday night to include the names of those involved in the accident. It was updated on Tuesday morning to include a comment from a State Patrol spokesman and more facts on the accident.
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