Pedestrian suffers extensive injuries jaywalking across Kelowna highway

KELOWNA – A senior remains in hospital with multiple injuries after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the highway outside of a crosswalk or intersection Saturday night.

The 65-year-old man was trying to cross Highway 97 near Leathead Road when he was struck by a green Jeep Cherokee in the northbound lane. The driver told police the man suddenly emerged onto the roadway, according to an RCMP media release by Const. Jesse O'Donaghey.

Police ruled out speed and alcohol as factors and say the 52-year-old driver of the Cherokee remained at the scene to help. The man remains in hospital after suffering "a series" of broken bones.

"The RCMP would like to remind the public to ensure they are visible to all motorists," O'Donaghey says. "Wear reflective or bright-coloured clothing and cross all roadways at lighted intersections or in marked crosswalks."

Police are asking that anyone who may have witnessed the incident, and have not yet spoken to police, to contact Cst. Danilowich of the Kelowna Municipal Traffic Services at 250-980-5350.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Marshall Jones at mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.