Troopers: Orlando man, 73, fatally struck while pushing mother in wheelchair

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A 73-year-old Orlando man was fatally struck early Thursday while pushing his mother across a street in Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Jose Matos Vargas was pushing his mother across South Goldenrod Road at Charlin Parkway shortly after 5:30 a.m. when he was hit by a southbound GMC SUV being driven by James Essad, 58, of Winter Park, Sgt. Kim Montes said.

Vargas was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Montes said.

Witnesses told investigators that Vargas was in the crosswalk, but Essad had a green light and thus had the right-of-way, troopers said.

Investigators said Essad swerved to try to avoid hitting Vargas.

Vargas' mother wasn't injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

No other details were given.

Cox Media Group