An accident on Ayers Street claimed the life of 68-year-old Manny, sparking community calls for better safety measures in areas lacking crosswalks and lighting.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — On this busy stretch of Ayers Street, traffic never seems to slow down. But markings on the road tell a tragic story from the moment it came to a halt Saturday night.

A 68-year-old man named Manny died after being struck by a vehicle just after 6 p.m. Saturday in the 3300 block of Ayers Street near Tarlton Street, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department.

Police said officers were dispatched to a report of a major traffic accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. When officers arrived, they found a male pedestrian with serious injuries and immediately began administering first aid until medics arrived.

Manny was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Neighbors like Roscoe Vela knew him as Manny.

“It’s sad, and I know he’s in a better place and not in pain after what happened to him last night,” Vela said.

RELATED: Pedestrian dies after being hit by vehicle on Ayers Street

Vela said Manny was more than just a neighbor — he was a friend.

“I was 14 years old when I met Manny, and I’m 33 now, so that’s about 16 years. He was our neighborhood friend,” Vela said.

When she first heard about the crash, she said it didn’t sink in at first.

“I hope it’s not someone I know, and sure enough, I get a call maybe three minutes later. It was just crazy,” Vela said.

Vela said crashes and close calls like this are all too common in the area, where there is no crosswalk. While we were there, we saw it happen.

“I mean, just add lighting. I know you guys work hard every day and try to keep the city 100%, but add a little more lighting to the side. We might be saving other people’s lives,” Vela said.

Now, her message is simple — slow down and wait.

“Think about it. Do you want to wait two or three minutes, or do you want to be gone forever? I’d rather wait — even if it’s a bus and you think you can make it, don’t do it. Just wait. Because those few steps you take, you take your life, too,” Vela said.

Vela hopes Manny’s death serves as a warning so no other family has to get the same phone call.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Corpus Christi Police Department.