Man dies after being hit by SUV while on scooter in Alabama

The crash occurred on U.S. Route 29 near Opelika, resulting in the death of a 38-year-old Georgia man.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered scooter mirror or turn signal lens, the dramatic lighting and stark contrast creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the aftermath of a serious traffic collision.The aftermath of a tragic collision between a scooter and an SUV on a rural Alabama highway exposes the dangers faced by vulnerable road users.Columbus Today

A 38-year-old man from Fayetteville, Georgia, died in a Columbus, Georgia hospital two days after being critically injured when he was hit by a Jeep Cherokee while on a scooter in Lee County, Alabama. The crash occurred on Tuesday evening on U.S. Route 29 near the 199-mile marker, approximately four miles northeast of Opelika.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers that scooter riders face on roadways, especially in areas without dedicated infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation. It also raises questions about driver awareness and road safety in rural parts of Alabama.

The details

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Bryan J. Pesotski was in the roadway and stationary on a scooter when he was struck by the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Pesotski was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional's midtown hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Thursday.

  • The crash occurred at 8:24 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2026.
  • Pesotski died in the hospital on Thursday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Bryan J. Pesotski

A 38-year-old man from Fayetteville, Georgia, who was struck by an SUV while riding a scooter in Lee County, Alabama.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)

The state law enforcement agency that investigated the crash and provided details about the incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Troopers with the ALEA Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate the crash, and no further information was available before publication.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users, such as scooter riders, in rural and suburban areas of Alabama.