New Jersey man fatally struck in New Hyde Park after getting out of car to ask for directions, cops say

A New Jersey man who had gotten out of his car to ask for directions was fatally struck by a motorist in New Hyde Park Wednesday night, Nassau police said Thursday.

Thomas M. Thomas, 71, of Dumont, was crossing Marcus Avenue, going back to his car, when he was hit by an eastbound Mercedes-Benz at 10:30 p.m., police said.

Thomas suffered serious head injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:01 p.m. at North Shore University Hospital.

A safety brake check was done at the scene on the Mercedes-Benz, which was then released to its 47-year-old driver, police said. Police did not identify the driver, who remained at the scene.

Homicide detectives investigated and did not find any criminality, police said.