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Halifax police identify man killed in alleged drunk-driving crash, driver appears in court

Wray Elias Hart, 62, was a well-known figure in downtown Halifax.
Wray Elias Hart, 62, was a well-known figure in downtown Halifax. Julien Caesar /Facebook

Halifax Regional Police have identified the man killed after being struck by a vehicle early Saturday morning.

Wray Elias Hart, 62, was a well-known figure in downtown Halifax, often seen pushing a cart full of cans and bottles along Spring Garden Road.

A memorial page for Hart has been started on Facebook — and a GoFundMe page has been started to cover his funeral costs.

READ MORE: Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in Halifax’s south end

According to police, officers responded to a motor vehicle collision at 2:55 a.m. at Queen Street near Green Street.

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Staff Sgt. Robert Fox said Hart was found pinned underneath the vehicle by Halifax Fire and Emergency Services. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Officers found the vehicle had also damaged a building and a utility pole. They arrested a male driver at the scene and transported him to Halifax Regional Police Headquarters for a breath test.

WATCH: Putting a face to drunk-driving victims focus of new MADD campaign

Click to play video: 'Putting a face to drunk driving victims focus of new MADD campaign'
Putting a face to drunk driving victims focus of new MADD campaign

The driver has since been identified as 23-year-old Dennis Patterson of New Brunswick. He is being charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired and impaired driving causing death.

Patterson appeared in court on Monday. He was granted $5,000 bail and he’ll be back in court in February.

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