West Melbourne Police seek public's help in veteran's death investigation

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Published  November 13, 2024 3:55pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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Veteran found dead on Brevard County road

A U.S. Army veteran was found dead on Veterans Day, lying unresponsive in the middle of a roadway in Brevard County, prompting police to seek help from the public as they investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Daniel Grala, 75, who served in the Army for over 20 years, was discovered on Monday evening near the intersection of Wickham Road and Rodes Place.

WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. - West Melbourne Police said a man was found unresponsive in the middle of the roadway on Veterans Day Monday, just before 8 p.m. in the area of Wickham road and Rodes Place.

They are asking for the public’s assistance in gathering information about the man, Daniel George Grala, a 75-year-old military veteran, who was pronounced deceased.

Investigators do not suspect foul play; however, they believe it is possible that this may have been an accidental hit-and-run, as Grala had suffered a head injury.

"What we believe has happened is that Mr. Grala possibly fell into the roadway and may have been struck by a vehicle," said Michelle Digiorgio, a patrol commander for the police department.

Grala served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, including tours in Korea and Vietnam.

Digiorgio said, "As a veteran myself, of 22 years in the military, I can’t imagine having served that long and to be involved in something like that."

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She said even if he was hit accidentally someone knows something and needs to come forward.

"We need to have answers for the family," she said.

WMPD confirmed that Grala does not have any immediate family in the area, let alone the state, and are asking anyone who lives in the area to check surveillance footage.

"There is a reason to believe that he may have been struck by maybe a simple as a mirror," Digiorgio said.

Officers say they are waiting for autopsy results for any more possible leads.

Authorities are seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and urge anyone with information to contact the police department or Traffic Homicide Investigator Jason Wheeler at 321-723-9673.

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