Florida Sheriff Revives Jogger Hit by Car After Witness Says Man Died
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A 78-year-old jogger was recovering Wednesday after he was hit by a car and pronounced dead by a passer-by, then revived by a passing sheriff's deputy.
Broward County Deputy Tina Lacertosa was on routine patrol Monday when she came across the accident and found the victim, Eric Eaton, covered by a blanket in the roadway, authorities said.
Eaton had been visiting his son in Dania Beach when he was hit while crossing a street, according to a sheriff's report. A witness to the accident, who claimed to be a medical professional, had placed a blanket over Eaton and told the deputy he was dead.
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Lacertosa called an ambulance and checked Eaton. He had head injuries and was bleeding profusely, but the deputy found a faint pulse, according to the report.
She started CPR, and Eaton began to breathe. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, authorities said.
Eaton's relatives told authorities he was improving and described his condition as "guarded but optimistic."
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The sheriff's office said an accident investigation was ongoing and no charges had been filed.