UPDATE: Cincinnati Police have released more information about what caused the major backup Friday morning on northbound Interstate 71.
In a statement Friday afternoon, investigators say 58-year-old Delbert Kirk was trying to cross the interstate from west to east just before 7am when he was struck by a northbound car. He was transported to UC Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The emergency response and subsequent investigation created a significant traffic backup.
Police say the driver who struck Kirk was not injured, and it's not believed that driver was under the influence or speeding at the time.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is being asked to call the Traffic Unit at 513-352-2514.
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ORIGINAL STORY: NB I-71 is closed at the 2.0 mile marker for an accident involving a pedestrian. All traffic is being diverted off at Reading Road. Consider using alternate routes to avoid delays. The wreck has backed up traffic on I-471 NB all the way back to 275.