A Marine was killed early this morning as he was tying to cross the West Side Highway.
According to the police, he was crossing the road around 1 a.m. near 49th Street and 12th Avenue, by Pier 88 where the USS Iwo Jima is docked.
The Marine, 22, who was not identified, was returning to the ship and in town for Fleet Week.
“This is a tragic event and a very sad day for the Marine Corps family,” Col. Frank Donovan told reporters.
The 2003 silver Acura was driving south, and stopped after striking him and called 911.
The driver was not expected to be face criminal charges.
“Our prayers are with him,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
The death puts a damper on Fleet Week, where 3,000 Marines and other soldiers descended on the city this weekend for Memorial Day.
