Pedestrian Killed While Crossing East University Avenue in Lafayette

A 37-year-old man from Iowa has died after being struck by a vehicle Saturday evening while crossing East University Avenue in Lafayette, according to the Lafayette Police Department.

Police identified the victim as Cody Sanson, 37, of New Market, Iowa.

The fatal crash happened around 7 p.m. in the 900 block of East University Avenue, prompting a major police response and the closure of a portion of the roadway as investigators worked to determine what happened.

Police Say Pedestrian Was Looking at Phone Before Crash

According to a 9 p.m. update from Lafayette Police, preliminary findings indicate Sanson was attempting to cross East University Avenue in an area with poor lighting and no designated crosswalk.

Investigators say Sanson was looking at his phone while walking across the street when he entered the path of a vehicle traveling southbound on East University Avenue.

The vehicle struck Sanson, causing severe injuries.

Emergency personnel transported him by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police confirmed that impairment on the part of the driver was not a factor in the crash.

East University Avenue Remains Closed Following Fatal Crash

The crash prompted Lafayette Police to close East University Avenue between Harding Street and Coolidge Street while patrol officers and traffic investigators worked at the scene.

As of the department's 9 p.m. update Saturday, that section of the roadway remained closed to traffic.

Motorists traveling through the area are encouraged to use alternate routes until the roadway reopens.

Police said an additional update would be released once traffic is allowed to resume.

Investigation Into Fatal Lafayette Crash Continues

The Lafayette Police Department's findings remain preliminary as investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Authorities have not released additional details about the driver or explained why Sanson, who was visiting or traveling from Iowa, was in Lafayette.

No charges were announced in the department's latest update.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.