Pedestrian dies after being struck by garbage truck

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  • FHP reported a Palatka man dead after being struck by a vehicle.
    FHP reported a Palatka man dead after being struck by a vehicle.
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A 32-year-old Putnam County man was killed by a garbage truck Thursday while walking along U.S. 17 in Palatka.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, Eric Edenfield died at 6 a.m. after being struck by a Mack Truck driven by 43-year-old East Palatka resident Treviss Smith.

An FHP crash report said Smith was traveling south on U.S. 17 with a passenger. Authorities said the truck was in the outside lane of the highway, which is where Edenfield was walking.

Officials said the truck approached Edenfield from behind and its front right bumper hit him. FHP pronounced Edenfield dead at the scene.

According to authorities, Smith and his passenger were wearing their seatbelt and were not injured. Troopers said the collision was not alcohol-related.