An Irving, Texas, man was killed Monday night after he was struck by a pickup on U.S. 61 North near Merit Health River Region Medical Center, a Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman said.

Cpl. Eric D. Henry said Elmer Letoureau, 50, was hit about 7:50 p.m.by a southbound Ford Ranger pickup when he walked in the southbound lane of the highway.

Letoureau was pronounced dead at the scene by deputy Warren County coroner Kelda Bailess. She said an autopsy has been ordered. An MHP accident reconstructionist was at the scene of the accident Monday night, Bailess said.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said Letoureau was hit just north of the Sherman Avenue/U.S. 61 North intersection.

“He was dressed in dark-colored clothes and carrying a backpack with what appeared to be camping gear, so he was either hiking or hitchhiking,” he said.

The death remains under investigation, Henry said.