Pedestrian killed while pushing cart along Highway 249 in NW Harris County, deputies say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A pedestrian is dead after deputies say he was hit by an SUV while pushing a cart along Highway 249 in northwest Harris County Thursday morning.

Authorities identified the victim as Bon Cook IV.

Deputies say that at about 6:22 a.m., Cook was walking eastbound in the 2600 block of West Mount Houston Road and Highway 249, near the right westbound lane and the improved shoulder.

As Cook was walking, a driver, identified as Jesse Lopez, was in a 2008 Ford Escape heading westbound in the same block of West Mount Houston. Lopez was in the right lane.

According to an update from the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Cook didn't yield the right of way to traffic on the road and Lopez hit him.

Cook died at the scene.

It appears the man was pulling a luggage tote behind him when he was hit, said HCSO Lt. Simon Cheng.

Deputies said Lopez, who stayed at the scene, was unable to see Cook in time to swerve due to the low lighting at the time of day.

No signs of intoxication or impairment were reported from the driver, Cheng said.

Cheng cautioned pedestrians to follow traffic laws, use crosswalks, and always check for upcoming vehicles.

He also said drivers should be alert for hazards in the roadway, including pedestrians.

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