Release posted on 01-01-23 at 10:23 a.m.

On December 31, at 6:15 p.m., James Joseph Christiano II (DOB 7/9/93, St. Petersburg), was riding an adult tricycle from the east sidewalk of 66th Street North and attempted to cross 5th Avenue North. At the same time, a Publix semi-truck pulling a 53-foot trailer, driven by Shannon Tyrone Morrell Jr (9/5/90, Dade City) was headed north on 66th St. and turned right/east onto 5th Avenue North.

Morrell did not see Christiano, who was in the marked crosswalk on a green crossing signal, and a rear tire struck him. Christiano died at the scene. Morrell was on scene and cooperative. The intersection was closed for several hours.

The investigation is ongoing.