A 59-year-old man struck by a van early Tuesday morning on U.S. 301 was critically injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said Eddie Brown was leaving a gas station on a bicycle, crossing 301 just north of State Road 100 about 6:10 a.m. when he was hit by a southbound Plymouth Voyager.

Eddie Brown is well known in Starke, FL as the sweetest man! He is loved by kids and his community. He has worked for years at the Steakhouse and the Bradford Telegraph. The Steakhouse has just recently closed (so he has lost that income) and now he was hit by a vehicle this morning, right before the holidays. Let’s help get him back on his feet once he is discharged from the hospital. Last I heard, Eddie was heavily sedated and the doctors are running test. I’ll be doing my best to keep his recovery updated.