What began as an ordinary morning outing turned into tragedy when 81-year-old Geraldine Johnson was fatally struck by a pickup truck in a store parking lot. The incident happened just after 9 a.m. Friday as Johnson crossed a driving lane outside a busy retail center.
Witnesses reported hearing a sharp thud and then seeing her lying on the pavement as bystanders rushed to help. Emergency crews quickly arrived and administered aid before she was airlifted to a nearby trauma hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Johnson succumbed to her injuries a short time later.Police say the driver of the Dodge pickup, a 45-year-
old man visiting from Alabama, remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators. Authorities have confirmed that impairment and excessive speed are not suspected factors at this time. The department’s specialized crash reconstruction team is now examining the scene, reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding businesses, and speaking with witnesses to
determine the precise circumstances of the collision.The area was cordoned off for several hours as officers documented tire marks and vehicle positions. Many shoppers, shaken by what they witnessed, expressed sadness and disbelief. “It just happened so fast,” one witness said. “She was doing nothing wrong—just walking across the lane.”
Geraldine Johnson was known in her community as kind, active, and full of grace—a grandmother who enjoyed gardening, volunteering at her church, and staying independent. Her sudden passing has left family and friends heartbroken, mourning a gentle soul whose life was cut short in an instant.
Authorities are reminding drivers to stay alert in parking lots, where pedestrians and vehicles often share limited space. For Geraldine’s loved ones, this heartbreaking loss is a painful reminder that even familiar routines can carry unexpected risks.
