Pedestrian killed in Salt Lake City hit and run accident

SALT LAKE CITY — A homeless man crossing a busy street was hit and killed Tuesday morning by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the accident.

About 6:10 a.m., David J. Whiteeagle, 46, was crossing 2100 South near 450 East. He was three-quarters of the way across the street when he either stumbled or dropped his backpack, said Salt Lake police detective Dennis McGowan.

As Whiteeagle bent over to pick up his backpack, he was struck by a westbound vehicle and killed, McGowan said.

Several motorists called 911 immediately after the accident. A UTA bus driver stopped and got out to try to help Whiteeagle, who police say is also known as David Willie.

Detectives were looking for a two-tone, light blue over silver, small sport-utility vehicle with tinted windows. The vehicle had a luggage rack on top that was empty and a center-mounted spare tire in the rear, McGowan said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 801-799-3000.

— Pat Reavy