MT. VERNON – A rural Jefferson County man died after being hit by a vehicle Thursday afternoon in his yard in the 16700 block of North Casey Pike Lane according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded at about 2:30 p.m. and found 83-year-old Charles Cimera, at the scene unresponsive with severe injuries after being struck by a 2009 Mercedes driven by 75-year-old Veena K. Gupta of Mt. Vernon. Gupta’s vehicle struck a tree and stopped in a neighboring yard, after striking Cimera. The Jefferson County Coroner was contacted, who declared Cimera dead at the scene.
Authorities say the information is ongoing, but preliminary evidence revealed Gupta drove the Mercedes off of Casey Pike Lane onto Cimera’s property and struck him outside. Gupta was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Motor Vehicle Crash and given a mandatory court appearance.
An Illinois State Police Crash reconstructionist responded to assist sheriff’s detectives with the investigation.
Cimera’s family respectfully asks those wishing to reach out to them to express condolences to give them a few days while they process their loss.
