Pedestrian Walking Along I-25 Struck And Killed
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- The Colorado State Patrol is investigating after a woman was struck and killed by an SUV while she was walking along Interstate 25 in Northern Colorado.
Authorities said she was walking in the northbound lanes around 3 a.m. near Johnstown in Larimer County.
A bent sign post and shreds of tire line the edge of I-25 at mile marker 254 near Johnson's Corner.
Colorado State Patrol responded when the driver of a 2006 Ford Expedition travelling northbound struck a woman walking along the fast lane of the interstate. That woman has been identified as Samantha Beter, 26.
People staying at the RV park just across the frontage road saw the flashing emergency lights, as officers shut down I-25.
"I couldn't believe somebody was out there," said one witness.
The stretch of interstate has a speed limit of 75 mph.
"It surprises me that there was somebody walking down there. It makes you wonder what was going on," said Glenn Best, a guest staying at the RV park.
Tracks in the dirt shoulder show where the driver came to a screeching stop.
"The driver has got to be beside himself," said Best. "I mean, he's seriously going to need days to process that."
"He looked like he was pretty distraught about it," said another witness near the scene.
Authorities said neither alcohol, drugs, nor excessive speed were factors on the part of the driver. He does not face any charges.
An autopsy will be conducted on Beter.
Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.
