By Adam Nichols
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN — A Marine in New York for Fleet Week was struck by a car and killed just feet from his ship early Thursday.
The man, who has not been named by police, was returning to USS Iwo Jima at Pier 88, on the River Hudson at 49th Street, at 1 a.m. when he was hit on the West Side Highway.
"This is a sad day for the Marine Corps," said Colonel Frank Donovan, commander of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit which is based out of Camp Lejeune, NC.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Marine and his family," Donovan said in front of the Iwo Jima Thursday. "We ask the citizens of New York to keep this Marine and his family in their thoughts and prayers."
Marine officials said the man's family had not yet been notified and that Fleet Week events would continue as planned.
Police said he had gotten out of a taxi with other Marines and was crossing the street when he was killed.
The driver of a 2003 Acura, 39, drove a block away before stopping, calling 911 and walking back to the scene, police said.
Police said there was no criminality expected and the driver has not been arrested.
The Marine was pronounced dead at the scene. The service men with him were not hurt.
With additional reporting by Gabriela Resto-Montero
