Man known as Homeless Santa, James Kenneth Bryant, 49, killed while crossing U.S. 19 on foot when struck by car driven by Nicholas Giovinazzi, 27, in Hudson, Florida

Modified Date:

Wed, 12/24/2014 - 10:16am

Accident Date:

Monday, December 22, 2014

Homeless Santa struck by car, killed on U.S. 19 in Hudson

Bryant had recently been dressing as Santa and waving to motorists on U.S. 19 and Beacon Woods Drive. "The little kids, they stick their faces in the windows and it brings a tear to your eyes," Bryant recently told freelance photojournalist Bryan Farrow. "They're like, 'hi Santa!" Little old ladies drop off big batches of cookies. ... For the past week, everybody has been taking photos."

Santa Killed By Car: James Kenneth Bryant, Homeless Man Known For Santa Suit, Dead In Florida Tragedy

“Looking at the little kids and (saying), I know you, you be good for goodness sake. That’s more important than anything else,” Bryant told the Tampa Tribune.

Florida homeless man who dressed as Santa hit, killed, by car

A Florida homeless man who liked to dress up as Santa Claus and wave to motorists was struck by a vehicle and killed.

Homeless man struck and killed

"You see some of these people on the streets and they can still put a smile on and still do good things for people."

James Kenneth Bryant, 49, was walking west across the southbound U.S. 19 near Beacon Woods drive at around 9 p.m. Monday when he was struck by a Toyota Avalon driven by 27-year-old Nicholas Giovinazzi of Wesley Chapel. Giovanazzi was not injured, and charges are pending, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Bryant was known for dressing as Santa Claus and waving to area motorists. He was not wearing the Santa costume at the time of the accident.

Type: Pedestrian Accident

People Involved:

James Kenneth Bryant

Roadway:

southbound U.S. 19

City:

Hudson, FL

County:

Pasco County, FL

Area:

Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL