Written by
The Sports Network
Zeljko Landup pictured with his wife and two sons.
By Kathleen Berger
St. Louis, MO (KSDK) - The family of a Bosnian man who immigrated to the United States in 1991 brought his family with him to insure they had a better life.
That man, 43-year-old Zeljko Landup, fell to his death from an Interstate 55 overpass Friday morning after being struck by an out of control truck.
Authorities said the wreck was likely caused by black ice. The tragedy all came about after another accident.
Landup had just gotten into a fender bender with another car around 6 a.m., which is why he was outside of the vehicle when he was struck. Investigators said Landup and the other driver had that minor accident on I-55 approaching the Poplar Street Bridge. He and the other driver got out of their vehicles and were standing between their cars, exchanging insurance, when a pickup truck lost control on ice, crashing into Landup's car. The impact knocked Landup over the rail, falling onto Chouteau below.
Landup's wife was with him when the accident happened. She was treated and released from the hospital later that day.
Landup's 17-year-old son, Sinisa, explained how his dad moved the family from Bosnia to St. Louis in 1991, because he wanted them to have a better life.
Translating for his mother, Sinisa said, "She wants to say he was a great husband and a dad and he will be missed, very much."
"He worked hard to get us here, and once we got here. He worked hard to keep us happy and satisfied. Provide us with a good life and home," said Sinisa.
The family said Landup was proud that his sons, ages 17 and 15, were getting a better education in the United States. His wife and sons are now surrounded by family who reside in the St. Louis area.
Meantime, police do advise drivers that if you're in an accident and can still drive your vehicle, to get off the interstate at the next exit before exchanging information.
KSDK