Pedestrian struck by pickup dies

A 64-year-old pedestrian was killed after being hit by a pickup in Fort Lauderdale late Friday, police said.

Theaccident happened shortly before 9 p.m. in the 1700 block ofWest Sunrise Boulevard. Investigators have identified the pedestrian as Billy Hickson of Fort Lauderdale.

Police said Hickson was walking across the westbound lanes of Sunrise Boulevardwhenhewas struck by a 2006 Toyota truck. He was not using a crosswalk, said DetectiveKevenDupree.

Hicksonwas taken to BrowardHealth Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have not identified the driver, but the man remained on the scene and is cooperating with authorities. The driver has not been charged, but the investigation is ongoing.

Saturday afternoon, Hickson’s family gathered at his sister’s house for a barbecue to celebrate his life.

Lottie Lawson, Hickson’s sisters, said her brotherwas hit by the truck while on hisway home from a nearby park where he often met friends. Hickson didn’t have a car, so he walked and rode his bicycle to nearby places. He had a few ailments that came with age, including a bit of a limp, she said.

“Hewas a joyful, young man,” Lawson said. “[He’d] always say how much he loved his family.”

Last Sunday, the large and close-knit family gathered for the birthday of a younger brother and enjoyed one another’s company and “plenty of food to eat,” Lawsonsaid. Hickson, whowas one of15 siblings, was there.

“He was a very outgoing person, he was a very friendly person,” another sister, JeannieOwens, said.

Nadine Wimbley said she’ll remember her husband’s uncle for his good spirits and cheer. She also recalled he liked dancing to “oldie goldies” such as hits from Al Green.

“It’s devastating,” she said of the accident.“Hewashappy, just likedto dance a lot. Hewas amazing.”

Authorities urge anyone with information about the crash to call Investigator Russell Brown at 954-828-5754.