Background: The intersection in Columbia Borough, Pa., where authorities say the victims were hit (WGAL/YouTube). Inset: Eric Lutz and Donna Lutz and two dogs (Hinkle's Restaurant).
A woman and man were walking their granddaughter home from a family lunch and were just feet from their house when a pickup truck "mowed" them down, according to family members and Pennsylvania authorities.
The married couple was killed in the crash, the Columbia Borough Police Department announced, with family and community members later identifying Eric Lutz, 74, and Donna Lutz, 71, as the victims.
On Sunday at about 11:45 a.m., the grandparents were walking with their granddaughter in Columbia Borough, Pennsylvania. The area is located in the south-central part of the state, about 85 miles west of Philadelphia.
They had apparently just had lunch with their children and grandchildren — and as they came upon the intersection of 3rd and Chestnut streets in the borough, they were within sight of their house.
The trio was crossing the street when a Dodge Ram pickup struck. Family members suggested the vehicle was speeding.
"This pickup truck comes flying around the corner and just smacks right into them," Eric Lutz's brother, identified only as Kevin, told regional NBC affiliate WGAL. "They got mowed down in broad daylight… It's hard for me to fathom that someone couldn't see them crossing the street."
The couple and their granddaughter were brought to a local hospital, and Eric Lutz and Donna Lutz were pronounced dead. Their young granddaughter was reportedly flown to Penn State Health Children's Hospital with a fractured skull and a brain bleed. She is expected to recover.
"The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating," the police department said. Officers have not yet announced any charges or the name of the Dodge driver.
The family was eating at Hinkle's Restaurant in Columbia Borough, according to the establishment, which posted a tribute to the couple, saying the Lutzes were "longtime, loyal members."
"They were familiar faces in our restaurant for many years and, heartbreakingly, had visited us just the morning of their passing," Hinkle's Restaurant posted on social media. "Our entire staff is mourning this tremendous loss. We will deeply miss seeing Eric and Donna walk through our doors and are grateful for the many memories and moments they shared with us over the years."
Eric Lutz's brother said the couple was married for 52 years, adding, "In a weird kind of way, I was glad they died together. … And they died together right here, right in front of their house."