St. Louis, MO – Man Fatally Struck by Vehicle on I-70 Near Union Blvd On-Ramp

St. Louis, MO (January 2, 2026) – A man was tragically killed early on January 2 after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 70 in St. Louis.

According to the St. Louis Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-70, near the on-ramp from Union Boulevard. A black Kia Niro struck the man, who was in the roadway at the time. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.

The driver of the Kia remained at the location and is cooperating with authorities. Both the driver and a passenger were transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

The eastbound portion of the interstate was temporarily closed while the St. Louis Accident Reconstruction Unit conducted its investigation. The highway has since reopened.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the man who lost his life in this tragic crash. We extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time, and we wish the injured driver and passenger a full and quick recovery.

Pedestrian Accidents on Interstate 70 in St. Louis, Missouri

Pedestrian fatalities on major highways like Interstate 70 are, unfortunately, not uncommon in Missouri. These roadways are built for high-speed vehicle travel and are not designed with pedestrian safety in mind. When someone is on foot near fast-moving traffic—especially at night—the risk of a fatal collision increases significantly. Darkness, limited shoulder space, and the speed of oncoming vehicles create a highly dangerous environment for anyone outside of a vehicle.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, more than 100 pedestrians lose their lives each year on Missouri roads. A significant number of these deaths occur on interstates and highways, where pedestrian presence is unexpected. In many cases, people may be walking due to a vehicle breakdown, attempting to cross the highway, or may have been involved in a previous crash or emergency that forced them onto the roadway.

In the aftermath of a fatal pedestrian accident, surviving family members often face emotional devastation and financial uncertainty. Fortunately, they may have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. These claims are civil actions that allow families to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. Even if the driver involved is not criminally charged, a wrongful death case may still be pursued based on the circumstances.

An experienced wrongful death lawyer can help families understand their legal options, investigate the cause of the crash, collect necessary evidence, and communicate with insurance companies. Having a legal advocate during this overwhelming time can make a meaningful difference in the pursuit of justice and fair compensation.

Dunk Law Firm is here to support your recovery process with valuable resources and information. Call us today at 414-209-4398 to learn how we can assist you.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. We have not independently verified all details of the incident. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Dunk Law Firm so we can promptly review and correct the content for accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship nor constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and consult a qualified attorney. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual scene or parties involved in the incident.