Coroner IDs man hit, killed on US-35 in Dayton

DAYTON — Dayton police are investigating after a man was found dead on U.S. 35 early Monday morning.

James Wilder, 59, of Dayton, was identified as the man killed in the crash, according to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.

Police were dispatched to U.S. 35 westbound at Liscum Drive on a pedestrian strike around 2:18 a.m., a spokesperson for Dayton police said.

>> ‘Definitely an unusual incident;’ 3 injured after propane tank explodes in Springfield

Police found Wilder on the side of U.S. 35, the spokesperson said. His injuries and debris in the roadway suggested he had been hit by a vehicle that had left the scene.

A 911 caller told dispatchers they believed Wilder had been victimized by a hit and run driver.

“It looks like car parts but the car is gone,” the caller said.

Dayton police officers pulled up shortly after the call and confirmed Wilder was dead.

“There is evidence, as far as we could tell that he was struck by a vehicle, that vehicle is not on scene,” said Dayton police Sgt. Jonathan Rudy.

>> WATCH: Police arrest area assistant principal charged with engaging in prostitution

Traffic Services Unit detectives responded to the crash and are investigating.

Police are hoping the driver involved in this crash, who may not have been at fault, will step forward and identify themselves.

The crash remains under investigation at this time.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 13

Crews respond to reports of a body found on U.S. 35 in Dayton Photos by News Center 7's Adam Ewry.

©2023 Cox Media Group