SHARON, PA — A 73-year-old man from Hermitage was tragically killed Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle while walking in Sharon. The Mercer County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Robert Porterfield, who died from his injuries shortly after the incident.
Sharon police responded to reports of a vehicle-pedestrian collision at the intersection of East State Street and Buhl Boulevard around 9:32 p.m. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Porterfield lying on the roadway with severe head injuries. He was quickly transported to Sharon Regional Health System, but despite life-saving efforts by medical personnel, he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Mahoning County Coroner’s Office, the cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head, and the manner of death has been ruled accidental. Investigators confirmed that the driver of the vehicle involved stayed at the scene and cooperated with responding officers. There is no indication of foul play, and no charges have been filed at this time.
The intersection where the crash occurred is a busy area with multiple lanes of traffic, and it is not yet clear whether visibility, speed, or pedestrian crossing issues played a role. The Sharon Police Department, in coordination with the Mercer County District Attorney’s Office, is continuing its investigation to determine the full circumstances behind the fatal incident.
Friends and neighbors say Porterfield was well known in his Hermitage neighborhood. Described as a gentle and kind man, he often took walks in the evening to stay active. His sudden death has left his community in mourning and has prompted renewed concerns about pedestrian safety in the area, especially during nighttime hours.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant video footage to come forward. Those with information can contact the Sharon Police Department. As the investigation remains ongoing, officials are reminding both drivers and pedestrians to exercise extra caution on the roads—particularly at night and in high-traffic areas. The loss of Robert Porterfield is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike.
