Florida man killed on I-20 after stopping for boat trouble
NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. - An 82-year-old Florida man was killed early Thursday after he was struck by a tractor-trailer while standing on Interstate 20 in Newton County, according to the Newton County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies responded around 4:15 a.m. to a report of a pedestrian who had been hit on the eastbound side of I-20 near Exit 101.
Mechanical problems preceded crash
What we know:
According to the preliminary investigation, Bruce Bartenfelder was traveling with his wife when the boat they were towing experienced mechanical problems.
Investigators said Bartenfelder pulled onto the right shoulder of the interstate and got out of the vehicle. While standing in the right eastbound lane of I-20, he was struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer.
Bartenfelder was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation ongoing
What's next:
The Newton County Sheriff's Office said the crash remains under investigation. At this time, no charges are pending against the driver of the tractor-trailer.