Pedestrian Killed in Crash on Monroe Avenue in Pittsford: Investigation Underway
PITTSFORD, NY — A tragic accident claimed the life of a pedestrian Friday night, prompting an active investigation and a road closure on one of Pittsford’s busiest thoroughfares. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal incident occurred on Monroe Avenue near the Pittsford Plaza just before 8:00 p.m. and involved a 2019 GMC Terrain SUV.
Deputies responded swiftly to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle in the heavily trafficked area. Upon arrival, emergency responders confirmed that the pedestrian had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of family.
The driver of the GMC Terrain remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. According to deputies, the driver was not injured and there is no indication at this time of impairment or fleeing the scene.
Road Closure and Scene Response
The crash forced the immediate shutdown of Monroe Avenue between Clover Street and the entrance to Pittsford Plaza, a stretch that includes multiple businesses and shopping areas. Traffic in the area was rerouted as investigators, deputies, and emergency personnel worked at the scene for several hours. The road remained closed late into the night as the investigation continued under the lights of police cruisers and emergency vehicles.
The incident occurred during a time of day when the road is typically active with pedestrians, particularly near the shopping plaza. The visibility and lighting conditions at the time of the crash have not yet been publicly addressed.
Investigation in Progress
As of Saturday morning, deputies say the crash remains under investigation. Authorities are speaking with witnesses who were in the area at the time of the collision and are actively working with nearby businesses to review surveillance footage that may have captured the moments leading up to the crash.
Investigators will be analyzing multiple factors, including the speed of the vehicle, visibility at the time of the incident, the position of the pedestrian in relation to crosswalks or intersections, and whether any distractions may have contributed to the collision.
While the exact cause of the crash has not been determined, deputies have not announced any arrests or citations. The results of the ongoing investigation will help determine if any charges are warranted.
Community Impact
News of the pedestrian’s death has left many in the Pittsford community shaken, especially given the location’s proximity to a major shopping plaza frequented by families, students, and elderly residents. Monroe Avenue is known as a busy route with a combination of vehicle and foot traffic, and local residents have periodically raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.
“This is heartbreaking,” one bystander told local news outlets. “People walk here all the time, and it’s just scary to think something like this could happen so quickly.”
In light of the incident, some are calling for a reassessment of pedestrian safety measures along Monroe Avenue, such as increased lighting, improved signage, lower speed limits, or additional crosswalk signals.
What’s Next
Authorities will release more information, including the name of the deceased, after family notifications have been completed. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage from the area around 8:00 p.m. on Friday to contact investigators immediately.
This tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that exist at the intersection of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. As the community mourns the loss of a life taken too soon, officials are vowing to conduct a thorough investigation to bring answers—and potentially, accountability—to those affected.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this incident and needs support, local grief counseling services are available through Monroe County crisis response resources.
