MANALAPAN, FL – A routine grocery trip turned deadly Tuesday morning when a 74-year-old woman was struck and killed by a delivery truck in a Publix parking lot. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Janice Stein, a local resident who was hit just before 8 a.m. at the Publix on 262 S Ocean Blvd.
According to authorities, Stein had just exited her vehicle and was walking west to east across the parking lot when a 2020 Isuzu NRR truck, driven by a 41-year-old man, struck her. Investigators reported that Stein stepped into the truck’s path as it was moving southbound, resulting in the right front side of the vehicle hitting her left side. The impact knocked Stein to the ground, and the truck rolled over her before the driver slowed to a stop.
Despite emergency responders rushing to the scene, Stein was pronounced dead shortly after the collision. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement. As of now, no charges have been filed, though the investigation remains active.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as bystanders attempted to help Stein before paramedics arrived. The Publix parking lot was temporarily closed as deputies conducted their investigation, leaving shoppers stunned by the tragedy that unfolded during what should have been a routine morning.
Stein, remembered by neighbors as a kind and active member of the community, frequented the store regularly. Friends expressed shock at her sudden passing, recalling her as a devoted grandmother who enjoyed walks along the beach and volunteering at a local library.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to review surveillance footage and witness statements to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. Officials remind pedestrians and drivers to exercise extra caution in parking lots, where low-speed collisions can still have devastating consequences. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact authorities.
