EAST NORRITON TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA — A 29-year-old teacher and father died after police said he was struck by a car and then hit by a tractor-trailer on West Germantown Pike in Montgomery County.
The crash happened at approximately 9:10 p.m. Sunday at West Germantown Pike and Whitehall Road in East Norriton Township.
The victim was later identified as Ricardo Baptiste of Lansdowne.
Pedestrian Struck Twice, Police Say
Investigators said a car traveling eastbound on West Germantown Pike struck Baptiste while he was in the roadway.
Police said Baptiste was then struck by a tractor-trailer while he was down in the road.
He was taken to Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Both drivers remained at the scene, according to police.
DUI Investigation Underway
East Norriton Township police said they are investigating whether the driver of the car was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The driver of the car was taken into custody, but as of Wednesday, no charges had been announced.
Police have not released additional details about the tractor-trailer driver.
Family Remembers Teacher and Father
Baptiste’s family said he was a kindergarten teacher and the father of a 3-year-old girl.
His older brother, Guy Leroy, said Baptiste had been at the hospital for an unrelated matter before leaving and walking in the area where the crash happened.
“He was actually at the hospital for an unrelated matter, left the hospital, came down here; that’s when the driver, supposedly drunk driver, killed him,” Leroy said.
Leroy said his younger brother was deeply loved and was the person people called when they needed help.
“I didn’t know how much love Ricky had until he passed away,” Leroy said. “If I told you how many people reached out — he was really loved by a lot of people.”
Brother Says Faith Brings Peace
Leroy said Baptiste was praying heavily the morning before the crash and that his faith was central to his life.
“More than anything, he believed in God,” Leroy said. “I know for a fact he’s up there.”
He described Baptiste as loving and kind.
“Ricky was just a loving, kind kid; he loved God, so I know he’s up there with them,” Leroy said. “That’s what brings me peace at the end of the day.”
The crash remains under investigation.
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