A passing vehicle near Four Lakes fatally struck a pedestrian on the evening of Friday, Jan. 7, according to a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Brenda Renee Gabriel, 56, was likely walking east on the shoulder of West Silver Lake Road when, according to the driver of a pickup who was also traveling eastbound on a curve near West Granite Lake Road, and after a vehicle passed him coming in the opposite direction, the driver observed something in his lane. He swerved into the westbound lane to avoid the object, but was unable to avoid hitting what turned out to be the victim.
He stopped and dialed 911 immediately.
A deputy Drug Recognition Expert determined that the driver was not impaired. An initial on-site investigation also revealed he was not traveling at excess speeds.
Further investigation revealed that Gabriel had a two-year history of complaints involving being in or around traffic while possibly high or intoxicated, according the press release.
She was wearing dark-colored clothing, the press release said. The area where the accident occurred is a “very dark” rural roadway, and investigators believe that, due to Gabriel’s dark clothing and the headlights of the oncoming vehicle, the driver was unable to avoid the collision.
The driver has not been charged, although the investigation is ongoing, Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deputy Mark Gregory said. The SCSO is interested in contacting the driver of the oncoming vehicle. Gregory asked that anyone travelling on West Clear Lake Road near West Granite Lake Road on Friday evening between 7 — 8:20 p.m. who may have seen Gabriel walking in the area to contact Cpl. Jeff Welton at (509) 477-3237. Please reference case no. 10005160.
Lee Hughes can be reached at lee@cheneyfreepress.com
Reader Comments(0)