Family tried to warn man of wheelchair safety

PALM HARBOR, FL -- The Florida Highway Patrol says an 85 year old Palm Harbor man was killed before dawn while trying to cross a busy road in his motorized wheelchair.
Nurse and mature man in a wheelchair

John Panarak was on his way to meet friends for breakfast when he was hit on Alderman Road near Alternate US 19. The FHP calls it an accident.

Panarak's grandchildren told ABC Action News.com they warned Panarak about riding in the dark and asked him to add safety features like a light or a flag. Panarak refused.

Family members say Panarak was a decorated veteran who was shot in World War II while running through enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers.

His nickname was "Scooter" because he spent so much time riding around in his motorized wheelchair.

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