Authorities ID pedestrian fatally struck by tractor-trailer in Coraopolis

A 70-year-old man was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer Thursday afternoon in Coraopolis, marking the second pedestrian death in the borough this month.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday identified the victim as John Joseph Volante of Moon.

Authorities said that shortly after 3 p.m. the tractor-trailer was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Main Street. When the light turned green, the driver hit the gas and struck the victim, Coraopolis police Chief Jason Stewart told TribLive news partner WTAE.

Volante died on the scene at 3:18 p.m., the medical examiner’s office said.

WTAE reported the victim was well known in the community and would often be out walking his dog.

On Aug. 3, Ulises Montalvo, 61, of Coraopolis was killed in a hit-and-run while walking just one block over from Thursday’s incident, where Main Street meets Fourth Avenue. He also died before he could be transported to a hospital.

The day laborer was a common sight around town, mowing lawns, landscaping and picking up whatever odd jobs emerged.

These traffic tragedies should “give all of us pause,” Coraopolis mayor Michael Dixon said in a Facebook post. He’s directed local police to evaluate high-risk intersections, lighting conditions, speed enforcement and pedestrian safety measures in hopes of preventing future incidents.

“But safety is not the responsibility of the government alone,” Dixon continued. “I ask every driver in Coraopolis: slow down, stay alert, and remember that the few seconds you save are never worth a life.

“I also ask every pedestrian: please use crosswalks and remain aware, especially in busy corridors,” he said.