A pedestrian was fatally struck by an off-duty Oxford police officer who was on his way home from church.

Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown identified the victim as Robert Lee Womack. He was 47 and lived in Georgia.

The crash happened at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday on Alabama 21 at Iron Mountain Road.

Brown said 911 had received calls of a man – later identified as Womack – walking in the roadway.

Officers were dispatched, but before they arrived, the Oxford officer – in a patrol vehicle – struck Womack, who was pronounced dead on the scene at 9:37 p.m.

Womack was in Anniston visiting a friend. Authorities do not know why he was walking in the road, Brown said.

Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge said the off-duty officer was on his way home from church.

“This event is a solemn reminder of the importance of roadway safety for both drivers and pedestrians especially at night,” Partridge said.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased during this difficult time. We encourage everyone to stay alert and cautious while traveling on our roads.”