Pedestrian struck by van passes away

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - An 82-year-old pedestrian struck by a vehicle in Portsmouth last week has passed away.

Ezra Godfrey suffered minor injuries when he was hit by a van in the 3800 block of George Washington Highway and was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital on the afternoon of Oct. 4.

WAVY.com spoke with his daughter, Denise Smith, who said Godfrey was a retired construction worker on his way home to nearby Marsh Landing Apartments when he was struck. She says Godfrey died from injuries sustained in the accident.

"My dad was a great day. He tried to help wherever he could," Smith said. "He had 16 children. Now you see why he's so wonderful and he instilled in each and every one of us to lead with moral responsibility."

The family is looking toward its faith and recalling their Dad's favorite slogan.

"I'm blessed by the best and praying for the rest," Smith said. "That's the way he walked around the community and he touched the lives of people in Marsh Landing. Not just Marsh Landing but everywhere he went, everywhere he went. He was a person that loved people."