WASCO COUNTY — A Warm Springs resident walking on Highway 97 died Tuesday morning, May 5, when a fully loaded semi-truck hit them in the lane of travel near milepost 61.5, according to Oregon State Police (OSP) logs.
Police responded at about 10:24 p.m. and found Lutah Avis Wallulatum, 42, while walking in the travel lane, was hit first by a blue Peterbilt semi and trailer, and then hit again by an unknown vehicle in the northbound lane.
Investigators are asking witnesses, drivers in the area, to call OSP dispatch at 800-442-2068. They especially want to hear from anyone who saw pedestrians or possibly reported hitting an animal between mileposts 57-68 (between Shaniko and the Cow Creek Rest Area) between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on May 5. Reference case number SP26-146196.
The Peterbilt driver, 60-year-old Spokane resident Wayne Lorenz, was not injured; he stayed on scene and cooperated with the investigation, but the unknown second vehicle did not.
Police believe Wallulatum was walking along the highway after her vehicle broke down a short distance away. Wallulatum was pronounced dead at the scene.
The highway was closed for about 4.5 hours while South Wasco County EMS, Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon’s Department of Transportation helped OSP investigate.
Commented