Well-known Charlotte street man hit, killed on 7th St.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man familiar to many in uptown Charlotte and surrounding neighborhoods was hit and killed trying to cross a dangerous stretch of road in the Elizabeth community.

Police in Charlotte said William Larry Major was killed on 7th Street, near Caswell Road Thursday, just after 9 p.m. Thursday.

Major was known as "Chilly Willy." He was homeless and was often seen panhandling and playing a guitar.

IMAGES: Photos of William Larry Major (Chilly Willy)

Police said Major walked out of the trees in front of Jackalope Jack's restaurant and bar, and the driver didn't have time to stop.

After hitting him, the driver stopped, called 911 and investigators said she is cooperating with them.

IMAGES: Scene of fatal crash

They have not charged her, but said overnight they are still investigating.

This is not the first serious crash involving someone walking near Jackalope Jack's.

In October of 2011, Autumn Lynn Soyka died after she was hit trying to cross the street.

A year earlier, three people were hit as they walked away from the bar.

They were all taken the hospital, but survived.

A woman was charged with underage drinking and driving in that incident.

After the other crashes, restaurants in the area started a petition for crosswalks.

In September, the Department of Transportation installed crossing signals, a new curb and wheelchair ramps near crosswalks.

One business told Channel 9 more has to be done.

Major was featured in a 2004 Eyewitness News report about Charlotte police cracking down on panhandling in uptown.  Watch that report here.

People who knew Major are leaving their thoughts and memories on social media sites Thursday morning.  Head over to our Facebook page and leave your comments on our story.

WSOC