Family mourns loved one hit and killed while crossing street

Medford, Ore. — Family members leaned on one another during an emotional vigil in Medford Monday night as a memorial grows at the corner of Stewart Avenue and King Street to honor 58-year-old Jerry Hughes. He was walking across the busy Medford intersection Monday morning when he was hit and killed.

“We’re just really going to miss him. It’s a big loss to the family, a big loss,” Hughes’ nephew Robert Chaney said.

Medford police said 84-year-old Bob Smith was making a left turn onto Stewart Avenue and collided with Hughes. Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene. Smith is a retired congressman. He represented Oregon’s 2nd district from 1983 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 1999.

During Monday night’s vigil Hughes’ sister, Brenda Jackson, prayed not only for their family, but for Smith and his family too.

“We feel sad on both ends,” Jackson said.

Police said Smith wasn’t injured, but was extremely shaken up. They said speed or intoxicants don’t appear to be involved and once the investigation wraps up the district attorney will determine if any charges are filed.

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