A Cortez man was in stable condition at a Tampa hospital after being struck by a pickup truck from behind while walking on the north side of Cortez Road West.
Danny Nemeth, 47, was walking west at 9:55 p.m. June 7 when a pickup truck propelled him 32 feet, according to the Florida Highway Patrol reports.
Transported first to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton by emergency medical services, Nemeth underwent three surgeries for head and internal injuries, according to Nemeth’s nephew, Michael Henderson.
Nemeth, Henderson and some of their friends operate Cortez Water Sports, 4328 127th Street W., Cortez.
Henderson said his uncle was stable and flown June 9 by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital for pelvic surgery.
Nemeth had been walking home after having dinner with family members in Cortez when the accident occurred, he said.
Henderson described his uncle as community-oriented and a big supporter of the Boys and Girls Club in Bradenton.
The Ford Ranger that hit Nemeth east of 123rd Street West was driven by 54-year-old Bradenton Beach resident Pete Barreda, according to the FHP reports.
“The driver of the vehicle definitely did not see the pedestrian walking in the roadway,” said FHP Trooper Kenneth Watson.
When the front of Barreda’s vehicle struck Nemeth, Nemeth went airborne and hit the side of the vehicle before coming to rest near the entry to parking lot at the Cortez Market, 12203 Cortez Road W.
Nemeth was ticketed for not being on the sidewalk.
Damage to Barreda’s vehicle was estimated at $1,500.
“I’m doing all right. I’m OK,” Barreda told The Islander. “It’s not the easiest thing in the world.”
He also said he was “very shook up” and declined further comment.