James Gaudet, 43, succumbed to injuries at the crash scene

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne police officials reported a fatal traffic incident when a pedestrian laid down in the road and was struck by an SUV in the area of ​​the Melbourne Causeway west of the high-rise.

“At approximately 11:26 pm on Friday, Melbourne police officers responded to the area of ​​the Melbourne Causeway west of the high-rise regarding a vehicle versus pedestrian crash,” said Melbourne Police Sgt. Benjamin Slover.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered that the pedestrian had sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash and succumbed to those injuries at the crash scene. Initial investigation reveals the pedestrian laid down on the roadway, inside the travel lanes, and was struck by a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle traveling west on the Melbourne Causeway.”

The victim was identified as James Gaudet, 43, who police said was homeless.

Sgt. Slover said there are no indications that alcohol/drugs were a factor in this crash.

The Melbourne Police Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is investigating this crash as a Traffic Homicide Investigation.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please call Traffic Homicide Investigator Officer Whitright at 321-616-6116.