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PHOENIX (KPHO/KTVK) — A man has died from his injuries after he was struck by a car Saturday night in Phoenix.
It happened just before 7 p.m. near 39th Avenue and Southern.
According to Phoenix police, a vehicle was driving westbound on Southern Avenue when it struck a male pedestrian, who was crossing.
The 47-year-old male driver stayed at the scene.
The man later identified as Manuel Villa Verde Jr., 60, was transported to a hospital where he died from his injuries.
Police do not believe that impairment is a factor in the crash.
This is not the first time in recent weeks that a pedestrian has been hit by a car at this intersection.
On the night of November 27, 37-year-old Angela Innis was killed in a hit-and-run crash in the same area.
Innis was not in a crosswalk when she crossed the street and was hit. The driver took off and has still not been found.
“He hit her and left her like an animal,” said Innis’ sister Meranda.
“I just don’t know why someone would hit her and leave her and not check on her to see if she was OK,” said Innis’ friend, Tiffany Marie Deason. “Something needs to change. There needs to be a light here. I’m asking, please. I’m begging for the life of my friend. Please have something done.”
Innis’ loved ones have been pushing for a crosswalk in the area.
A couple weeks ago a group came out and drew chalk lines around their bodies lying on the ground to protest the fact that there is no crosswalk.
City of Phoenix spokeswoman Monica Hernandez said the City evaluated the intersection of the 39th and Southern avenues earlier this year because of neighbor concerns and determined the “volume of traffic didn’t warrant a traffic signal.”
Family and friends of Innis, as well as business owners in the area, had been hoping for the installation of a HAWK pedestrian beacon.
HAWK beacons, which give drivers a red light so pedestrians can safely cross the street, cost about $100,000.
The City activated one of those crosswalk lights at Seventh Street and Jones Avenue in April, months after a 79-year-old veteran was hit and killed while crossing the street.
The City says it will consider exploring other funding options and what else can be done for the area of 39th Avenue and Southern.
“When is somebody going to care? And do something about it?” asked neighbor Nelly Baybay Saturday night. “City of Phoenix, do something!”
Hernandez said people can report roadway safety concerns to the Phoenix Transportation Department at 602-262-6284. The 24/7 hotline to report maintenance issues is 602-262-6441.
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