PHOENIX — The pedestrian fatally struck by a car on Dec. 1 in Phoenix has been identified as a long-time leader in the local faith community.

Phoenix police said the incident was reported near 7th and Missouri avenues shortly before 1:30 p.m. when a man using the crosswalk when he was hit by an SUV making a right-hand turn. Impairment was not believed a factor in causing the crash.

Police identified the deceased man as 53-year-old Rodger Loar, who had been the pastor for a Valley church that closed a couple of years ago.

In a statement posted online, Loar's family said he was heading home from lunch in his wheelchair when he was hit by the vehicle. Police have said their investigation is ongoing.

The Villa Montessori School in Phoenix wrote a tribute for Loar after his death that ackno

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