– 03 August 2013
A pensioner jogging in the summer weather has tragically died after being hit by a car.
The man was out running on the Red Brae Road in Carrickfergus, known locally as a treacherous driving spot.
The 68-year-old jogger was hit by the car at around 11.30am yesterday between Middle Road and Liberty Road.
The rural road has been described as hilly, bumpy and some drivers “may be inclined to speed up along it”.
The victim was out for a morning jog on the steep route which is without footpaths.
Police are particularly keen to hear from a potential witness, the female driver of a silver vehicle travelling directly in front of the silver Peugeot 207 involved in the collision.
It’s believed the vehicle, which also contained a child, stopped at the scene of the collision but left prior to the arrival of police and travelled on towards Carrick.
MLA for the area, Roy Beggs Jr, said his thoughts are with the friends and family of the dead man.
The Ulster Unionist Assembly member said: “I’m shocked to learn of the death, in such tragic circumstances.
“My thoughts are with the deceased’s gentleman’s family and friends.
“My thoughts are also with all that were involved in the incident and I would urge drivers and pedestrians to take extra care to ensure the risk of such devastating tragedies such as this become less likely.
“With the good weather there’s been an increase of pedestrians either walking or jogging and everyone needs to take greater care to reduce the likelihood of this happening.
Local councillor Andrew Wilson said: “This is extremely sad news the road is really quite a hazardous one.
“It’s in rural Carrickfergus.
“There’s quite a steep incline on it and there’s quite a number of blind corners and bends unfortunately.”
The identity of the dead man had not been released late last night.
Police are appealing for information and can be contacted by calling 0845 600 8000.
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