St. Clair Police Say Pedestrian Was Struck, Killed On I-44

St. Clair Police said a Salem man was struck and killed on Interstate 44 on Feb. 18 near the 239 mile marker.

Details from the accident were released by police Feb. 24.

Joseph Kozemczak, 39, was attempting to cross the interstate from the North Service Road and was struck by a 2018 Ford Escape.

The driver said she entered the interstate from Highway 47 and was driving approximately 70 to 75 mph when a dark object walked into the interstate in front of her.

Her vehicle struck the object, later identified as Kozemczak. It impacted her vehicle’s air bags and also contacted 911.

Accident reconstruction teams from St. Clair and Union found that prior to being struck Kozemczack was involved in a motor vehicle crash.

His 2003 Toyota Avalon went off the interstate, crossed the North Service Road and struck a fence and concrete statutes on the property of The Wishing Well.

Police found the keys to his vehicle in his pockets.