Victim and Drivers Identified in Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Police want to hear from anybody who may have been a witnesses to the fatal crash.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Police have identified the people involved in a fatal pedestrian accident that happened Friday night at approximately 7:45 PM, on northbound Interstate 5 just north of Market Street in Salem.

OSP Sergeant Dale Young says 54-year old Richard Lee Whittington, who had a last known address in Cave Junction, was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near milepost 258 on foot from the center median to the eastbound shoulder when he was struck by two vehicles.

According to Young, a 2008 Toyota Tundra pickup driven by 40-year old Gerald W. Hochderffer of Salem, was northbound in the center lane when he saw Mr. Whittington and veered to the far right lane in attempt to avoid him.

"The pickup struck the victim, who was then run over by a 2000 Ford Taurus driven by 23-year old Greta Huskey of Renton, Washington," Young said.

Mr. Whittington was pronounced deceased at the scene. Young says next of kin have been notified.

Police say that another collision occurred as vehicles were stopping to avoid the victim, but no other details are available on that incident.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Salem Fire Department, ODOT and local emergency responders are assisting at the scene.

One lane was getting through the area and all lanes were reopened around midnight last night.

Police want to hear from anybody who may have been a witnesses to the fatal crash. They should call the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.