A senior airman assigned to the 31st Maintenance Squadron was killed early Saturday morning after getting struck by two cars while walking alongside the road near Sacile, Italy.

Seneca Johnston was an aircraft structural maintainer at Aviano Air Base. His car had broken down on the side of the SS-13 about 1 a.m., according to an initial accident report from the Polizia Stradale in Pordenone.

The driver of the first vehicle to hit Johnston stopped to render assistance, but the airman was then hit and dragged about 100 feet by the second vehicle, said officer Franco Crovatto.

Crovatto said in a phone interview Tuesday that officials are seeking the driver of the second vehicle, which failed to stop. According to police, the car was described as possibly a Citroen.

Witnesses, who police say included a friend of the airman who had gone to call for assistance and returned, had trouble identifying the second vehicle because the area is not well-lit.

In a statement released by the base public affairs office, Brig. Gen. Robert Yates said the death hit the base population hard.

“The 31st Fighter Wing is doing its best to cope with the tragic loss of one of our own,” he was quoted as saying. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Airman Johnston’s family members, squadron members and friends.”

The base refused to release details about the accident, citing an ongoing investigation. Italian and American authorities are cooperating in the investigation. Those with information are urged to call the Italian police at 0434-549311 or contact base security forces at DSN 632-7659.

A memorial service for Johnston is set for 1 p.m. Thursday at Hangar 1.