Elderly bus passenger dies after scooter tips during ride

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - A 91-year-old man, hurt on a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus, has died from injuries.

A St. Pete Police spokesperson confirmed  Henri J. Lussier of Largo died March 11,  seven days after his motor scooter tipped over on a bus. It happened around 10 a.m. March 4, near the intersection of 72nd Street and 22nd Avenue N.

According to details released by police,  “Lussier was seated on his three-wheeled mobility scooter in the handicapped area just behind the driver. The scooter had been secured, front and back, with restraints to prevent it from rolling forward or backward. As the bus approached the intersection, the southbound light changed to yellow.[The Driver] entered the intersection under the yellow light, making his turn at a slightly excessive speed.”

Authorities confirm, “Lussier, tipped over on his scooter, striking his right arm and chest on the metal seatbelt box on the right side floor. The driver stopped his bus after the turn but never called authorities or his dispatcher to report the incident…the passenger was on his way to Bay Pines VA for a doctor’s appointment.” 
St. Pete police tell FOX 13 News the driver continued his route after two passengers helped the injured rider onto his scooter. 

Lussier arrived at his appointment and alerted medical personnel of a fall. Medics took to him to the hospital for treatment. He later died at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg’s trauma facility.

According to a St. Pete police spokesperson, an autopsy revealed Lussier’s death was related to injuries sustained in the bus accident. The investigation began after his death and detectives spent days working to track down the bus involved.

We learned there are no immediate plans to release the bus video considered part of  the ongoing investigation.  FOX 13 reached out to PSTA via phone and email and are awaiting comment at this time.

PSTA passengers who witnessed this incident are asked to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780.