TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The pedestrian who died when he was struck by a truck on Bayshore Boulevard was identified Friday as Tampa wealth manager George Gage, according to WFLA sources.
Gage was fatally struck around 11 a.m. Thursday at the intersection near Bayshore Boulevard and West Julia Street.
According to police, 31-year-old Benjamin Ehas was heading north in a pool service truck when he left the roadway and hit Gage, who was walking on the sidewalk.
The impact flung Gage’s body over the balustrade and into Hillsborough Bay. Police said two Good Samaritans stopped to jump into the water and help rescue him before paramedics arrived.
He was taken to Tampa General Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
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Tampa police said Ehas had a BAC of .234. News Channel 8’s Justin Schecker also learned that Ehas had admitted to drinking a double shot of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky around 11 a.m. Ehas also told police he smoked marijuana around 7 a.m.
Ehas has been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter and transported to Orient Road Jail.
Ehas, who was employed by Pinch A Penny, a pool supply company, was driving a company truck when the crash occurred.
Pinch A Penny released the following statement to WFLA:
“As a local, independently owned and operated business, we are proud members of the Tampa community and are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred involving one of our former employees. Pinch A Penny of South Tampa maintains an unwavering commitment to the highest standard of safety, and have a zero tolerance policy for the reckless behavior this individual displayed. We intend to cooperate fully with local law enforcement throughout the ongoing investigation. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those involved.”
Ehas’ family also provided News Channel 8 with a statement, saying “our heart goes out the family of the person who lost their life.”
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