Metro Transit Driver Who Struck, Killed Man In Walker Charged
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Twin Cities bus driver who struck and killed a man with a walker in July 2015 has now been charged.
In July 2015, Andrew Beisner was struck and killed by a Metro Transit bus in downtown Minneapolis. The 71-year-old's brother said he was in the crosswalk when the collision occurred.
By all accounts, Andrew loved downtown Minneapolis.
"He had a wonderful life. He lived 40 years or so in downtown Minneapolis, walked everywhere," Don Beisner, Andrew's brother, said.
Don spoke about the agony of the past year and a half.
His brother used a walker to get around. On July 8, 2015 Andrew crossed 3rd Avenue South at 2nd Street South.
"He was struck in a tragic accident with a Metropolitan Transit Authority bus. The bus was making a turn and according to the driver, he just didn't see my brother," Don said.
The bus driver, Kyle Slack, is charged with careless driving and failure to yield. The complaint said the pedestrians had a walk signal and a green light. It goes on to say Slack saw two people in the crosswalk. He waited for them before completing his turn. Andrew was behind them. The complaint said Slack did not see him.
"It basically says that the driver failed to see my brother, didn't yield to a pedestrian in a right of way. The driver says, 'I just didn't see him,'" Don said.
Don said it's hard to wrap his mind around losing his brother this way.
"My oldest brother, the smartest brother, the brother you could always go to and get an answer -- the right answer," Don said.
He hopes this accident may serve as a teachable lesson for other drivers.
"This is what happens. If you're not attentive, if you're not careful when you're driving, these are the results," Don said.
Slack no longer works for Metro Transit. He declined to be part of this story. He goes to court next month.
Beisner's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against him and the Metropolitan Council.
Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb said, "Our thoughts and prayers from our entire Metro Transit system go to Mr. Beisner's loved ones as they continue to live with this tragic accident. The safety of our riders and of everyone in the communities we serve is always at the top of our priority list, which is why our operators receive at least 200 hours of training before taking hold of a bus on their own."
