PALMDALE – A pedestrian died in Palmdale Friday morning after a driver lost control of his big rig and the vehicle veered off the road onto the sidewalk, authorities said.
The fatal collision occurred around 6:29 a.m. Friday, June 23, on Palmdale Boulevard near 9th Street East, according to a news release from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station.
“A semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Palmdale Blvd. and, for unknown reasons, the driver lost control of his vehicle and drifted onto the south curb line and onto the sidewalk area. The semi-truck then struck a pedestrian who was walking eastbound on Palmdale Blvd. on the sidewalk,” the news release states.
The pedestrian — Gary Burris Jr., 65, of Palmdale — was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
“As a result of the collision, the semi-truck struck a concrete light pole and subsequently struck numerous local businesses causing damage,” the sheriff’s news release states.
The semi-truck’s driver — 46-year-old Richard Core of Bakersfield — was treated by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics on scene, sheriff’s officials said.
Palmdale Boulevard, between 9th Street East and Sierra Highway, was closed until approximately 3 p.m. Friday, June 23, while the incident was being investigated.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this traffic collision is encouraged to call the Palmdale Sheriff Station’s Traffic Department at 661-272-2400.
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Mary says
I’ve known this jurk for many years, but knowing him ends there.. Believe your worst you could think you’ve hit it right on the nose. I truly pray GOD takes very good care of this child HIS trusted this soul with.
Ralph says
The facts are he was on method and he was seeing things. He is a druggie. He had meth in the truck and a handgun. Waiting for detectives to finish investgation.
Blizard W. says
It is sad to know you are just going about your day and not knowing you may be in a tragic accident. May the family of Mr. Burris take comfort and strength in the words of our Almighty Heavenly Father of tender mercies in May the love of Family, friends and above all our Almighty Heavenly Father give you comfort and strength. And peace as in the promise in Revelation 21:4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/?contentLanguageFilter=en&pubFilter=we&sortBy=1
Gary says
Driver might have fallen asleep, in any case it’s odd that he claims he has no idea how it happened.
This was the loudest crash I’ve ever heard, I thought it was a train derailment at first.
Tom Meacham says
Currently over 20 years of trucking experience a lot can happen, especially if the company who owns the rig slacks on maintenance. He just went over the railroad tracks and a hard bounce if he was going fast could have jerked the right bolt loose on his steering assembly, or even a multiple blow out, or an unbalanced load. I have seen many freak accidents with no clue or warning to the driver usually taking place on straight roads where you wouldn’t expect a jack knife or roll over too happen. People dont realize that a heavy load in the rear and sudden movement that loads momentum can and will push that whole truck some distance regardless if the brakes are applied so always keep a safety cushion of distance from rigs too allow yourself an exit if needed.
callingasitis says
I have noticed a lot of semi-truck having a problem staying in their lanes lately. I have also notice a lot of truck drivers looking as if looking at something? Cellphone????? The profession has taken a down turn over the years, their driving just as bad the cellphone junkies
Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.
Aristotle