SAN DIEGO - A relative of local animal activist Helen Woodward was recovering Friday after being hit by a car while crossing the street in Bay Park.

The 77-year-old man was rushed  to the hospital from Morena Boulevard and Ashton Street Thursday night.

"I ran outside and I saw that he was hit,” said Carol Close. She was eating inside a nearby restaurant when she heard the tires screech outside.

Police said the man crossed the street without using the crosswalk and stepped into traffic. He was struck by a pickup truck going at least 40 mph.

"There are signs there that say do not cross,” said Close, pointing out the signs. “Cross at the crosswalk. But they just crossed right there."

The man suffered head trauma, a fractured pelvis and collapsed lung.

Police said speed and alcohol were not a factor. The man was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital in Kearney Mesa. His condition is unknown.