SIUE student killed in St. Louis accident

An SIUE student was killed while crossing a street in St. Louis on Friday.

Nicholas Barnes, 25, originally from Effingham, was killed Friday from injuries he suffered in a car-vs.-pedestrian accident in the Central West End. He was a junior in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business.

According to early news reports, the car was westbound on Lindell Boulevard and stopped at a red light, then proceeded into the intersection when it turned green, striking Barnes and throwing his body in the path of a second car.

However, St. Louis Police said Tuesday that the driver of the first car has been located and interviewed.

“It was determined that Vehicle No. 1 did not actually strike the victim,” read a statement from the St. Louis Police Department. “It is believed that Vehicle No. 2 is the only vehicle that struck the victim.”

The driver of the second car remained at the scene and called 911. It was not immediately known if any charges will be filed.

Barnes’ death came three days before his 26th birthday. Born in Virginia, he was described by family members in his obituary as having a “zest for life,” enjoying traveling, reading and the outdoors. He had a 6-year-old daughter, Addison Mae Barnes, and enjoyed spending time with her at the park and the zoo.

He worked at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis while pursuing his studies at SIUE, according to news reports.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Richeson Funeral Home is managing the arrangements.

St. Louis Police are continuing the investigation.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 5:48 PM with the headline "SIUE student killed in St. Louis accident."