Police: ‘Miscommunication’ between troopers, workers investigated as factor in deadly SR 4 crash

HUBER HEIGHTS — The utility company worker who died after being hit by a car on State Route 4 in Huber Heights Sunday morning has been identified.

The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office identified the man Monday as Garth Haselton, 61, of Miami County.

Police and medics were called to report of a person hit by a car on Northbound SR-4 near Chambersburg Road around 7:05 a.m.

>> RELATED: 1 utility worker dead after being hit by car on SR-4 in Huber Heights

Haselton, who was working for USI Cable, was wearing dark clothing and no reflective gear at the time of the crash, according to a spokesperson for Huber Heights police.

According to the spokesperson, it’s unclear why Haselton was crossing the road at the time of the crash, but it appears there could have been some miscommunication between OSP units, who were responsible for the traffic control at the construction detail, and the construction crews as to whether the northbound lanes were closed at the time he was walking in the roadway.

There were multiple signs placed by construction crews leading up to the area of the crash notifying motorists of the roadwork ahead, the spokesperson said. However, all northbound lanes of travel were open at the time of the crash.

Dispatchers said they received a call stating that a woman had hit a person who was in the middle of the road.

A single vehicle was traveling in the left most northbound lane of SR 4 approaching Chambersburg Road, the spokesperson said. Just before the impact, the driver attempted to brake and swerve to the left as Haselton was struck in the roadway by the front right corner of the vehicle.

Haselton was transported by medics to Miami Valley Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Northbound SR-4 was closed for three hours.

Huber Heights police are working with OSP to obtain statements, body and cruiser video from the troopers working the detail at the time of the crash, the spokesperson said. The crash remains under investigation.

USI Cable Corporation declined to comment on the incident.

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