A late-night drive on Highway 97 turned tragic Tuesday when 42-year-old Lutah Avis Wallulatum of Warm Springs was struck and killed after her vehicle broke down near Bake Oven Road in Wasco County, according to investigators.
Authorities say a southbound Peterbilt semi hit Wallulatum in the travel lane at about 10:24 p.m. She was then struck a second time by another vehicle in the northbound lane that did not remain at the scene. The highway was shut down for roughly four and a half hours while troopers investigated. The semi driver stayed on site and cooperated with law enforcement.
In a news release, the Oregon State Police said Wallulatum had been walking in the travel lane after the vehicle she was in became disabled a short distance away. Troopers described the commercial vehicle as a blue Peterbilt and noted that the second vehicle involved has not yet been identified. Investigators are asking anyone who was between mileposts 57 and 68 on Highway 97 between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. to contact them, especially drivers who might have dashcam or cellphone video from that stretch of road.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that the semi was driven by 60-year-old Larry Wayne Lorenz of Spokane, Washington. He was not injured and cooperated with investigators, according to the outlet, which also cited case details provided by state troopers.
OSP Seeks Witnesses And Video
Investigators are urging anyone who traveled through mileposts 57 to 68 on Highway 97 on Tuesday night to contact Oregon State Police dispatch at 800-442-2068 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone and reference case number SP26-146196.
Troopers say they are particularly interested in hearing from drivers who may have believed they struck an animal or who noticed pedestrians on or near the roadway between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Video from dashcams or phones during that timeframe could help them identify the second vehicle and clarify what happened.
Practical Steps If Your Vehicle Breaks Down
Safety groups emphasize that, when possible, drivers should pull completely out of the travel lane, switch on hazard lights and call for help instead of walking in the roadway. AAA Oregon advises staying with your vehicle if it is safer than standing near traffic and using reflective triangles or high-visibility clothing if you must get out. More tips are available from AAA Oregon online.
