Family calls for traffic lights on US 41 after 59-year-old killed crossing road

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A family is grieving and calling for road safety improvements after 59-year-old Jeffrey Hanesack was killed while crossing U.S. 41.

Jeffrey's wife, Rebecca Hanesack, said she warned him not to go out that night because it was dark and she didn't feel it was safe. For 31 years, Jeffrey was Rebecca's husband, and she described him as someone who would do just about anything for someone else.

"So thankful I love that man to death he does everything for you and it's been 31 years, I'm trying not to cry and he's an amazing man and he's the best man I've ever had," Rebecca said.

Rebecca said Jeffrey was walking back from Walmart when he was hit while trying to cross U.S. 41. She said she worried about him walking along the dark road.

"I didn't feel safe for him to go out there but I thought he was gonna take the bus and he didn't," Rebecca said.

Jeffrey's son, Earl Hanesack, was there that night. He said he was with his father when they tried to cross the road.

"We were crossing the road with no cars in sight and all of a sudden they came out of nowhere," Earl said.

Earl said he believes the driver was distracted, but that detail has not been confirmed by investigators. He described the moment as something that has scarred him for life.

"The driver was speeding and not paying attention on their phone and hit him," Earl said.

Now, Earl wants justice for his father and changes to the road.

"That they get put in jail for that.... I think a traffic light and stop signs should be there," Earl said.

The Hanesack family said Jeffrey's legacy will live on through the people he helped. They're hoping his death leads to changes that could keep someone else from becoming a victim. The Florida Highway Patrol said this is still an active investigation.