SHELBY – A 47-year-old Medina man was killed after apparently being struck by four vehicles before dawn Tuesday while walking in the road on a dimly lighted section of Route 31, Orleans County sheriff’s officials said.
Joseph L. Tillinghast was pronounced dead by County Coroner Charles Smith at the scene, on Route 31 in the Town of Shelby, following the accident that was reported at 5:51 a.m.
Tillinghast was struck by the first vehicle while walking in the eastbound lane of Route 31, between the Niagara County line and Hoffman Road, authorities said.
“Then it appears he was struck by three additional vehicles,” Undersheriff Steve Smith said.
Authorities believe Tillinghast was walking east on Route 31, from his brother’s home in Middleport to his own residence in Medina.
“He’s wearing dark clothing, he’s walking in an area of the roadway where there was no artificial lighting, and the speed limit is 55,” Smith added. “There is no indication that this is anything but a traffic accident.”
All four vehicles involved stopped at the scene.
Joseph L. Tillinghast was pronounced dead by County Coroner Charles Smith at the scene, on Route 31 in the Town of Shelby, following the accident that was reported at 5:51 a.m.
Tillinghast was struck by the first vehicle while walking in the eastbound lane of Route 31, between the Niagara County line and Hoffman Road, authorities said.
“Then it appears he was struck by three additional vehicles,” Undersheriff Steve Smith said.
Authorities believe Tillinghast was walking east on Route 31, from his brother’s home in Middleport to his own residence in Medina.
“He’s wearing dark clothing, he’s walking in an area of the roadway where there was no artificial lighting, and the speed limit is 55,” Smith added. “There is no indication that this is anything but a traffic accident.”
All four vehicles involved stopped at the scene.