I-5 Fatal Update, June 5

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Tuesday afternoon’s fatal pedestrian-involved crash that resulted in the death of a 51-year old woman in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Sutherlin. According to Sergeant Matt Bowersox, on June 3, 2014 at approximately 4:05 p.m., a commercial truck pulling a semi-trailer driven by BEANT SINGH, age 36, from Yuba City, California, was traveling southbound on Interstate 5 in the right lane approaching the south end of the milepost 136 interchange when a female pedestrian began to run from the right shoulder toward the center median. The truck driver veered from the right lane toward the left lane when the pedestrian was struck by the trailer’s rear wheels.  SINGH brought the truck and trailer to a controlled stop. The trailer contained a load of crushed glass.  The female pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. She is identified as LAURA LEE JAMES, age 51, from Roseburg.  OSP was assisted at the scene by Sutherlin Police Department, Sutherlin Fire Department, and ODOT. The southbound lanes were closed with detours in place for all vehicles. Travelers experienced delays coming through the Sutherlin area. All lanes were opened about 8:00 p.m.