DA’s office continues to investigate crash that killed pedestrian

From staff reports

The Venango County district attorney’s office is continuing to investigate the death of an Oil City man who was struck and killed by a vehicle six months ago on Innis Street near its intersection with Route 257 in Cranberry Township.

Michael McSparren, 61, died on the night of Oct. 27, about two hours after he had been hit by the vehicle.

Franklin state police said at the time the driver of the BMW 535 Series that hit McSparren was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

As yet, no charges have been filed.

The driver, who police did not identify in their October press release, was headed south on Innis Street near Route 257, police said.

McSparren entered the right traffic lane of Innis Street and was struck by the BMW, police said.

The driver tried to veer right to avoid the collision, according to police.

McSparren was transported to UPMC Northwest for treatment of suspected serious injuries, then he was later flown by Stat MedEvac helicopter to UPMC Hamot in Erie, where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

The Venango County district attorney’s office said Wednesday the incident continues to be an active investigation.