The Sheriff's Department has released the identity of a male pedestrian who was killed this morning when he was struck by a car. The driver says the early morning sun prevented him from seeing the man until it was too late.

The Hancock County Sheriff's office said in a press release today that James Miekka, 54 of Surry was walking north in the southbound lane of Toddy Pond Road in Surry with his guide dog for the visually impaired. Just before seven this morning, a Ford Expedition traveling in the southbound lane and driven by Robert Elliott, 27 of Surry struck Miekka.

Sheriff's Deputies say Elliott stopped immediately and administered first aid but Mr. Miekka passed away. Elliott told deputies the sun was in his eyes and so he couldn't see the pedestrian. Investigators are looking into the exact cause and contributing factors of the accident.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Department and Surry Fire Department responded to the accident.

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