OSP Troopers are continuing the investigation into Thursday night’s fatal vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Highway 101 at milepost 17 (north of Gearhart). On January 26, 2017, at approximately 10:50 p.m., a white 1980 Chevrolet pickup, operated by Brian DUTCHER, age 50, of Seaside, was northbound on Hwy 101 when he struck a pedestrian that was in the northbound lane of travel. Preliminary investigation indicated that a 15 year old juvenile male had exited a vehicle that was parked on the northbound shoulder of the highway and started running down the middle of the highway before being struck by the northbound Chevrolet. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene and alcohol may have been a contributing factor on the part of the pedestrian. DUTCHER and passenger in the Chevrolet were not injured and are cooperating with investigators as they conducted a reconstruction of the crash site. One lane was closed for approximately three hours following the crash until both lanes were reopened.
