A somber scene unfolded on the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) late Monday night, where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle. KOMO News reports the incident occurred approximately at 10:35 p.m., with the Washington State Patrol confirming that a woman was standing on the roadway when the collision happened, she was declared dead at the scene.
Troopers and @wsdot_tacoma are on scene of a vehicle vs pedestrian crash, SB I5 just north of JBLM Main Gate.
— Trooper John Dattilo (@wspd1pio) August 27, 2024
Tragically, the pedestrian has died as a result of the crash.
Only the right lane is open, all other lanes are blocked. pic.twitter.com/O1jQoqggj6
The aftermath of the tragic accident led to traffic delays as the roadway was temporarily shut down, however, it was later reopened, according to FOX 13 Seattle. The driver involved stopped immediately after the incident and stayed to speak with authorities, neither the driver nor the passenger sustained injuries during the event.
While the identity of the pedestrian has not been released, details about the driver have come to light. The News Tribune notes a 32-year-old woman from Lacey was operating the vehicle, accompanied by a juvenile boy. In a statement provided to The News Tribune, Washington State Patrol Trooper John Dattilo confirmed, "The woman is cooperating with the investigation and was reportedly not impaired."
As the investigation into this tragic event continues, authorities are piecing together the circumstances that led to the fatality, it has been reiterated by multiple outlets that the driver is fully cooperating with the investigation, the pedestrian's motivations for being on the highway are still a mystery, and further details may emerge as the Washington State Patrol delves deeper into the incident.
