Navy Veteran, 84, Killed by USPS Truck While Checking Mailbox: Reports
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NEED TO KNOW
- 84-year-old James Hofler reportedly died after being struck by a USPS vehicle in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina on May 19
- The U.S. Navy veteran, who reportedly died in hospital on May 22, was checking his mail when the incident happened, according to multiple outlets
- 53-year-old Amy Hudler, who was operating the 2021 Mercedes-Benz mail truck at the time, was reportedly charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle
An 84-year-old man has reportedly died after being struck by a USPS vehicle in North Carolina.
James Hofler was walking to his mailbox in Kill Devil Hills when 53-year-old Amy Hudler backed into him with a 2021 Mercedes-Benz mail truck on the afternoon of May 19, reported multiple outlets, including ABC News 12 and The Modesto Bee.
U.K. newspaper The Independent reported that the retired U.S. Navy officer was taken to two hospitals before succumbing to his injuries on May 22.
“The investigation determined that 53-year-old Amy Hudler of Colington was operating a 2021 Mercedes-Benz mail carrier vehicle owned by the United States Postal Service,” the Kill Devil Hills Police Department said, per The Modesto Bee.
“While backing northbound on Portsmouth Street, Hudler struck (James Hofler) as he was crossing the roadway from east to west to check his mailbox,” the authorities added.
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The driver called for help and remained at the scene, “fully cooperating with law enforcement.”
PEOPLE has contacted the Kill Devil Hills Police Department and the United States Postal Service for comment.
Following the accident, Hofler was transported to Nags Head’s Outer Banks Health Hospital before being “transferred to a higher-level medical facility,” per the police.
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According to an online obituary, he died at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina.
“Born on November 29, 1940, he was a resident of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina and a proud US Navy veteran,” the description read.
Hudler has reportedly been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
“The Kill Devil Hills Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the Hofler family during this difficult time,” authorities said in a release, per ABC News 12.
“We remind all motorists and pedestrians to remain vigilant and exercise due caution on our roadways to help prevent future tragedies.”
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