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Washington man is dead after being struck by vehicle at crosswalk

Yellow police tape that says "Police Line Do Not Cross." The text "WGLT Police and Fire" is laid on top of that photo.

A 34-year-old man is dead after being struck by a vehicle Thursday night in Washington, according to the Peoria County Coroner's office.

According to the coroner, Patrick Merchant, of Washington, and another pedestrian were crossing the street at the Eagle Avenue crosswalk near the 1200 Block of Peoria Street when Merchant was hit by a vehicle.

Police and EMS responded to the scene around 7:14 p.m., the coroner reports. Merchant was transferred to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center where he was pronounced dead about two hours later from his injuries.

The Washington Police Department continues to investigate the cause of the crash, according to the coroner.

Melissa Ellin is a reporter at WGLT and a Report for America corps member, focused on mental health coverage.