LOCAL

Pedestrian killed in Merrimon Avenue vehicle collision identified by Asheville police

Staff Reports
A man who was killed while skateboarding and collided with a vehicle May 22 on Merrimon Avenue near downtown Asheville has been identified by police.

ASHEVILLE - A pedestrian who was killed in a fatal collision with a vehicle May 22 on Merrimon Avenue near I-240 West has been identified as Benjamin David Brown, 46, according to a May 26 news release from the Asheville Police Department.

Patrol officers responded to the scene of the crash near the intersection of U.S. 25/Merrimon Avenue and Marcellus Street around 5:42 a.m. May 22, the release said.

Brown was on a skateboard traveling south on Merrimon and entered the intersection with Marcellus Street against a steady red traffic light, according to the news statement.

More:Asheville police: Pedestrian dies in collision with vehicle on Merrimon Avenue

"A Republic solid waste collection truck traveling east on Marcellus Street entered the intersection at the same time, and the two collided. Brown was dislodged from the truck within a short distance and came to rest in the roadway, where a Subaru Legacy sedan traveling west on the exit ramp struck the victim, creating a second impact," the release said.

Brown died from injuries sustained from the collisions on scene. His next of kin has been notified, the release said.

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Police issued an initial statement May 22 about the pedestrian fatality. Spokesperson Samantha Booth said the victim's identity and other details would be released once their next of kin had been notified.

According to Brown's death certificate he was an Asheville resident and died of "multiple blunt force injuries" seconds after the impact.

APD is still investigating the collision and is asking if anyone has any information about the incident to call them 828-252-1110, or send an anonymous tip by texting TIP2APD to 847411.