A Cedartown man died of injuries sustained when he was struck by an SUV trying to cross Highway 278 in front of TipTop Poultry early on Monday morning.

The Polk County Coroner’s Office reported that Ariel Lopez, 41, of Cedartown, lost his life in the incident that occurred around 7:15 a.m. on December 11 at the intersection of the four-lane highway and Prospect Road.

He was an employee at TipTop who was crossing the roadway back toward the plant when he was struck by a Ford Expedition heading westbound.

Rockmart Police on Monday reported that Lopez was dressed in dark clothing at the time and it was still dark at the time he was struck, making it difficult for the driver to see them while he was crossing the road.

Additionally, witnesses told police that the driver had a green light.

Gammage Funeral Home in Cedartown are handling the arrangements. Check back for an obituary when it becomes available.