Woman hit by vehicle in Brooklyn Park is identified; pedestrian struck in Columbia Heights fighting for his life

Two pedestrian collisions prompt safety reminder for drivers and walkers.

December 18, 2018 at 4:58AM
Deddeh Woiwor
Deddeh Woiwor (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A 71-year-old woman has been identified as the person who was run over and killed in Brooklyn Park last week, while a man struck Saturday in Columbia Heights is fighting for his life.

Deddeh Woiwor of Brooklyn Park was hit last Monday by a vehicle at 7545 Brooklyn Boulevard just northwest of Unity Avenue, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office said.

Woiwor was declared dead at the scene soon after the crash, which occurred about 5:20 p.m. outside a Bowlero bowling alley.

Police have said the driver was cooperating with the investigation. No other details have been released.

On Saturday in Columbia Heights, Erik R. Johnstone, 48, of Lino Lakes, stepped off a median at University and 40th avenues NE. about 6:50 p.m. and was hit by a compact car, according to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.

Johnstone was in critical condition at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale. The driver, Sandra M. Jost, 21, of Chaska, was not hurt.

There have been 39 pedestrian traffic fatalities this year in Minnesota as of Monday, with 18 of those occurring since Sept. 1, according to the state Department of Public Safety. That matches the death toll at this time last year.

Agency spokesman Scott Wasserman said drivers and people on foot share responsibility in preventing collisions.

Pedestrians should cross at a crosswalk or where a traffic signal is present, wear bright-colored clothing at night and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into any road.

Drivers need to treat every corner as a crosswalk, whether marked or not, and pay attention as they stop for all pedestrians, Wasserman said. Distracted driving is a leading factor when vehicles hit pedestrians, he said.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

Police converged on the scene in Columbia Heights were a pedestrian was struck.
Police converged on the scene in Columbia Heights were a pedestrian was struck. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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