Pedestrian killed after attempting to cross Interstate 90 in Issaquah
ISSAQUAH -- A pedestrian was struck and killed by a car on Interstate 90 in Issaquah Wednesday morning, apparently while trying to help others who had been involved in a car accident.
Washington State Patrol troopers say the theory is that a female truck driver witnessed an accident and wanted to help. The woman parked the truck on the shoulder, got out and ran across the freeway to the people involved in the accident.
That’s when she was hit by a Mercedes driving at legal highway speed.
“A good Samaritan attempted to cross Interstate 90 on foot,” State Patrol Sgt. Peter Cozzitorto said.
The good Samaritan has been identified as 53-year-old Katherine Jones of Duvall. Medics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Jones was driving a semi stopped near mile marker 13 in Issaquah after witnessing a minor three-car collision.
“We are unsure if she was attempting to potentially render medical aid or to check on as a witness of the collision,” Cozzitorto said.
Jones parked on the right shoulder of westbound I-90 and ran across three lanes when she was hit in the HOV lanes by the Mercedes.
Troopers say the 33-year-old woman driving the Mercedes is not at fault and could not have anticipated a pedestrian on a freeway.
“I feel bad for everyone involved and people watching (the woman getting hit) -- they have to remember that moment,” Justin Elliott said.
Elliott is a landscaper who knows the dangers of working along busy streets. But Elliott says he cannot understand why a anyone would try to run across an interstate.
“There is a reason why construction workers get paid so much money to work on the freeway because it’s dangerous,” Elliott said.
In light of the tragedy, state troopers are reminding all drivers to stay in their cars if they are involved in an accident on the freeway.
“We ask you to remain in your car, put your seat belts on and call 911."