On April 15, 2017 at approximately 7:57pm, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a pedestrian hit by a semi-truck on Interstate 5 near milepost 58. This location is on the edge of the city of Grants Pass at the milepost 58 interchange. Preliminary investigation indicates a red 2013 Kenworth semi-tractor towing a box trailer, operated by Francisco DIAZ of Marysville, California, was traveling southbound on Interstate 5 in the right lane. A pedestrian, 54 year old Leta BAERTSCHIGER from Grants Pass, was walking in the right lane for unknown reasons. DIAZ was unable to avoid BAERTSCHIGER and struck her in the roadway. BAERTSCHIGER was pronounced deceased on scene. DIAZ was uninjured and cooperated with investigators while a reconstruction was completed. Both southbound lanes were shut down for approximately one hour following the crash before one lane was reopened for traffic. Approximately one and a half hours after the crash the second lane was opened. A detour was set up during the investigation.
