Skateboarder killed in St. Paul truck crash

A skateboarder died Wednesday morning from injuries he sustained in a crash with a truck on Fairview Avenue in St. Paul on Tuesday night.

St. Paul Police Sgt. Paul Paulos said the 35-year-old man skateboarded out of an alley into Fairview Avenue near the Grand Avenue intersection where he apparently hit the passing truck at about 8:45 p.m.

"The truck was pulling a trailer with it, the skateboarder hit the truck, spun off, and then hit the rear trailer," Paulos said.

The man sustained head injuries, was transported to Regions Hospital in critical condition and died shortly after 1 a.m. on Wednesday. The victim's wife has requested that the media not name him until after she notifies the family.

Witnesses told police that the skateboarder was moving very quickly. Police said he was not wearing a helmet and had earbuds in when the collision occurred.

"There are so many distractors today," Paulos said. "Pay attention. Put those things down. Be aware of your surroundings. Take your time."

The truck driver is cooperating with police.