Pedestrian hit, killed in Ruskin, slowing traffic for hours

RUSKIN — A pedestrian was hit and killed by a vehicle early Monday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Clifford Stager, 52, of Sun City Center, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Here's what officials say happened:

At 5:43 a.m., Clifford Anaebo, 40, of Ruskin, was driving a 2005 Kia Sorento east on SR 674 when he saw Stager. Anaebo swerved but still hit him.

The FHP said the crash is under investigation.

Stager's brother, Brad Stager, said in an e-mail that his brother moved to Tampa at 16. He didn't finish school and had his own lawn-mowing business for a time.

He had recently taken a job at a golf course near Sun City Center, working to keep the grounds in good shape.

He loved riding his bike, fishing and the outdoors.

"Cliff was a kind man who appreciated nature," his brother said.