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Car kills construction worker at I-75

He walked into oncoming traffic near a Fowler entrance ramp.

By ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published February 8, 2007

TAMPA - A construction worker died Wednesday morning when he walked into oncoming traffic and was struck by a car, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Gonzalo Charles-Compean, 40, of 1930 Blazers Trail, Lakeland, was taking measurements for electrical work at 7:25 a.m. near the southbound entrance ramp of Interstate 75 on Fowler Avenue, troopers said.

A car driven by Kareem C. Nisbett, 28, of 1278 E 113th Ave. struck Charles-Compean at the entrance ramp, said Highway Patrol Trooper Larry Coggins.

Charles-Compean was pronounced dead at the scene, Coggins said. Nisbett was not injured.

Nisbett will not face charges because the pedestrian violated traffic law, Coggins said.

State driving records show Nisbett has seven traffic convictions, including driving with a suspended license and speeding. He did not return an interview request left with his mother.

Family members of Charles-Compean's could not be reached.

Coggins said Charles-Compean was employed by a company that subcontracts with the state for work on underground utility lines. The state Transportation Department referred a reporter to Trans Tech Electric, a Sanford company. An employee there said the company had no comment.

The accident snarled traffic at the entrance ramp for much of the morning. It was reopened to traffic at 10:30 a.m. No lanes on the interstate were closed because of the accident, Coggins said.

News researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Abbie VanSickle can be reached at 226-3373 or vansickle@sptimes.com

[Last modified February 8, 2007, 06:31:10]