2 pedestrians killed in Modesto crashes within 24 hours

Two pedestrians were killed in separate crashes on Modesto roads within about 24 hours, including a deadly hit-and-run in downtown Modesto on Friday morning, police said. 

The latest crash happened shortly after 10 a.m. at 14th and I streets.

According to Modesto police, a pedestrian was walking in the roadway when he laid down in the number one lane and covered himself with a blanket. He was then struck by a vehicle.

The driver left the scene following the collision.

Officers later located the driver and vehicle roughly two miles away near Coffee Road and Orangeburg Avenue.

Police said the circumstances leading up to the crash remain under investigation. Investigators are reviewing video from multiple angles as they work to determine what happened.

"The crash was captured on video from a couple of different angles, and we're looking at all avenues of why it occurred. So, fault yet has not yet been determined," a Modesto police traffic sergeant said.

No other injuries were reported in Friday's crash. Police have not released the identity of the pedestrian who was killed.

Second deadly pedestrian crash in a day

The fatal hit-and-run came just one day after another pedestrian was killed in Modesto.

Thursday morning, police said a 63-year-old man using a wheelchair was in or near a crosswalk at Claus Road and East Orangeburg Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle.

The driver in that crash remained at the scene.

Police are continuing to investigate both collisions.