Kaitlin Wester Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the pedestrian who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Highway 99 early Sunday morning. The victim, 29-year-old Kaitlin Wester from Lynnwood, was walking in the left lane of the highway near Shelby Road when the fatal incident occurred. The Washington State Patrol, responsible for the investigation, confirmed that Wester was walking south along the highway at around 6 a.m. when she was hit by a car driven by a 45-year-old woman from Everett.
The vehicle involved in the crash was a Mazda CX-5, also traveling south on Highway 99. The driver, whose name has not been released, did not suffer any injuries in the collision. Unfortunately, Wester was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the authorities arrived.
On Wednesday, officials formally identified Wester as the victim. As of that day, the crash was still under investigation by the Washington State Patrol, as authorities continued to gather details and assess the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
The exact reasons why Wester was walking on the highway remain unclear, and investigators are working to determine whether factors such as visibility, road conditions, or the actions of either party contributed to the collision. They are also likely exploring whether alcohol, drugs, or any other impairments were involved. At this point, no further details have been released regarding potential charges or additional findings from the investigation.
Incidents like these raise significant concerns about pedestrian safety on highways, where walking can be extremely dangerous. High-speed traffic, limited visibility, and the design of highways make it rare and often hazardous for pedestrians to be on the road. Authorities often caution individuals to avoid walking along highways or major roads and urge drivers to remain vigilant, especially in low-visibility conditions, to prevent such accidents.
The investigation is ongoing, and more information may become available as authorities continue to analyze the incident and gather witness statements or other evidence that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding Wester’s death.