Details are still scarce about a 20-year-old from Ridgefield who was struck by an SUV while trying to walk across Interstate 5 at about 8:40 p.m., Thursday.
According to reports from Washington State Patrol, 25-year-old Lili Shi of Irvine, California, was driving northbound in a Mitsubishi Outlander when she collided with Billy N. Griffith as he was walking across the freeway, west to east. The accident occurred near milepost 17.3. Investigators said Griffith was wearing dark clothing. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
All northbound lanes were closed for approximately three hours while troopers investigated. Traffic was detoured at Exit 16 through La Center.
Shi is cooperating with investigators. Her vehicle was totaled in the accident and needed to be towed. So far, no charges have been filed.
It is still unclear if drugs or alcohol were involved as the incident is still under investigation.
