Charges pending in pedestrian death crash

Charges may be filed against the driver who struck and killed a Good Samaritan trying to assist an injured pedestrian on McCallie Avenue on Thursday evening.

Police have identified the deceased as Fredwick C. Cross, 61, of Chattanooga. Investigators believe he was traveling east\ on McCallie Avenue when he came upon a pedestrian who'd been hit by a car, said Officer Rebecca Royval, police spokeswoman.

Mr. Cross got out of a Dodge pickup and was walking toward the first crash when Carly Wells, of Lynchburg, Tenn., apparently struck his truck from behind, slamming it into him, Officer Royval said.

He was pronounced dead at Erlanger hospital a short time later, the officer said.

Police believe Ms. Wells was not paying attention when she struck his pickup.

"According to (Ms. Wells), her attention was focused on the first crash and was not looking in front of her when she struck the Dodge Ram pickup," Officer Royval said.

Adrienne Cross, Mr. Cross' wife of 39 years, said her husband always was willing to help distressed motorists.

"He was just that kind of guy," Mrs. Cross said. "He would help anyone if they were broken down or injured in an accident."

Mr. Cross was the father of four adult sons and was employed for a number of years as a portrait artist at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, his wife said. Known to many as "Quick Draw" for his fast artistic talents, Mr. Cross most recently worked at the weekend Chattanooga Market, drawing and selling portraits, she said.

"There's a big hole in our family today," Mrs. Cross said. "We're all just waiting for him to come home."

Mr. Cross was trying to assist in an accident that injured another pedestrian. That victim, Dewey C. Edalgo, 68, of Cartersville, Ga., is in critical condition at Erlanger hospital, Officer Royval said, but the motorist involved in that crash will not be charged with a crime.

Mr. Edalgo was struck by Shenelle Duncan, of Chattanooga, Officer Royval said.

"According to the driver and witnesses, the pedestrian began crossing the street and saw the car coming and tried to cross back onto the sidewalk," Officer Royval said. "The car was unable to avoid the collision."

Attempts to reach Mr. Edalgo's family were unsuccessful Friday.

PDF: Update on pedestrian struck on McCallie Avenue

THREE PEDESTRIANS STRUCK IN 30 DAYS

Two pedestrians were struck by motorists this week. Those follow on an earlier crash Oct. 29 investigated by Chattanooga police. Charles Laymon, 40, of Hixson was killed in that crash on Hixson Pike. No criminal charges were filed against the driver.