Man On Tricycle Hit, Killed By Publix Semi-Truck: St. Pete Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A man riding an adult tricycle was hit and killed by a Publix semi-tractor trailer truck on New Year’s Eve, according to a St. Petersburg Police Department news release.

At the time of the crash, James Joseph Christiano, 29, was riding his tricycle on the east sidewalk of 66th Street North and trying to cross 5th Avenue N., just after 6 p.m., police said.

The 53-foot-long Publix truck, driven by Shannon Tyrone Morrell, Jr., 32, of Dade City was headed north on 66th Street and turning east onto 5th Avenue N. at the same time, according to SPPD.

As he turned, Morrell didn’t see Christiano, who was in the marked crosswalk with a green crossing signal, police said.

The victim was hit by the truck’s rear tire, the agency said. He died at the scene.

The truck’s driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police. The intersection was closed for several hours.

The investigation remains ongoing.