Princeton doctor who was struck by vehicle while crossing Washington Road dies from injuries

Princeton doctor Michael Reiss, who was struck by a vehicle when he was walking across Washington Road, died on Aug. 1, police confirmed.

Reiss, 68, was walking across Washington Road at the intersection of Prospect Avenue about 10:30 a.m. on July 30 when he was struck by a Ford F350 pick-up truck driven by Princeton resident Antonio Pirone.

Pirone, 42, was stopped in his truck and was facing west at the traffic light on Prospect Avenue at the intersection of Washington Road. When the light turned green, Pirone proceeded to make a left turn southbound onto Washington Road. Police said he then struck Reiss, who was walking eastbound within the southern crosswalk on Washington Road. The driver’s-side front bumper of the truck struck Reiss as he was about half way through the crosswalk. The impact, though at a low rate of speed, knocked Reiss to the ground, causing him to roll and strike the back of his head on the pavement.

Reiss was taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton for treatment for his injuries. He was later moved to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia for further treatment. On Aug. 2, the Princeton Police were notified by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office that Reiss succumbed to his injuries on Aug. 1. Pirone was issued a summons for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Police said the crash remain under investigation.

An oncologist, Reiss dedicated his career to his patients and to scientific research to understand and defeat cancer. He worked extensively in breast cancer and most recently was working on a breast cancer vaccine, according to his death notice.  He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandpa to his two beloved granddaughters. He is survived by his wife, two children, and his brother, who are completely heartbroken by this sudden loss.  He will be greatly missed. There will be no public funeral service.

The intersection of Washington Road and Prospect Avenue where Reiss was struck when crossing the road.

11 Comments

  1. Sad story. Condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Reiss.

    Just wondering…is this one of the traffic lights that allows pedestrians to walk at the same time cars can be moving like the light at Nassau/Vandeventer prior to new crossing plan?

  2. So sad and sorry to hear this. I worked with Dr. Reiss and found him to be an invaluable and generous resource. Deepest condolences to his family on this tragic loss.

  3. I met Dr Reiss through my job. He was gentle, caring, kind, and such a brilliant professional. It is sad how his life was cut short.

  4. So sad. Sometimes the pedestrian is in the blind spot on larger vehicles. I believe that the lights in Princeton should be 3 way, pedestrian all directions, E-W and N-S. It would certainly make for safer crossing for pedestrians.

  5. When vehicles are making a left turn at the intersection, pedestrians should not be crossing. I have seen too many dangerous situations here.

  6. Sad
    People are always in a hurry, and nobody is
    Paying attention
    Its a wonder that this doesn’t happen every 10 minutes.
    Prayers for you all Amen

Comments are closed.