Yakima Man Dies in Semi-Truck / Pedestrian Collision

wsp.wa.gov, Feb 12, 2007

A 31 year old Yakima man lost his life after being struck by a semi-truck on Interstate 82. The collision occurred in the westbound lanes of Interstate 82 near Union Gap at about 7:00 PM last night. Heriberto Pacheco was pronounced dead at the scene after walking into the path of an approaching semi-truck. The driver of the semi-truck, John Fehrs, 48 of Mullan, Idaho stopped immediately after the collision and told investigators Pacheco was standing near a white car when he just began walking into the lane. It was reported that the white car had left the scene.

The driver of the white car, Josh Pettit of Yakima later contacted troopers and explained that he was stopping to assist Pacheco. Pacheco had been parked along the highway and was leaning up against his own car when Pettit pulled over to assist. Pettit told investigators that he pulled in front of Pacheco's car and was backing up to offer assistance when the collision occurred. It appears Pacheco had stopped along the highway for an unknown reason and then stepped into the westbound lanes of I-82. Pacheco's car was examined and determined to be fully operational.

 It remains unclear why Pacheco chose to walk into the lanes of the interstate. Investigators will continue interviewing witness and family members.