Man killed while crossing the street

A man died after being hit by a car in Columbia on New Year’s Eve.

Columbia Police said it happened on W. Worley and Stadium when a Chevy Cavalier was traveling south on Stadium around 6:20 p.m. The driver did not see 54-year-old Jackie Cheatom as he tried to cross the road and struck him. Cheatom landed in the road and was then run over by a Honda CRV driving behind the Cavalier.

Cheatom was rushed to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Those who knew Cheatom spoke out Thursday, saying he was loved by many people in the community.

A business manager in the area told ABC 17 Cheatom’s sister worked there and he visited often, and may have been crossing the street to come see her when he was hit.

A witness who didn’t want to be identified said it happened quickly.

“He got hit, another car came, he got hit. Then everything just stopped. Everybody stopped. Traffic, every car stopped. People went over to see if he was okay.”

“I saw them trying to give him CPR and saw them put the white sheet over him, so I knew that he’s passed.”

Friends of Cheatom told ABC 17 that everyone who knew him liked him. Many left heartfelt messages on our website, saying, “he was loved by many.”

Police said impairment by drugs or alcohol are not believed to be a factor. Careless driving or a violation of a traffic law is also not believed to be a cause.

It is still unknown if Cheatom was under the influence at the time, or if he violated the cross walk signal.

This is a developing story. Stay with ABC 17 News for updates as they become available.