UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A Willits man died Friday night after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Highway 20 near Blue Lakes.
The 46-year-old man's name was not released by the California Highway Patrol's Clear Lake Area office pending notification of next of kin.
In a preliminary report issued early Saturday morning, the CHP said the crash occurred at 8:40 p.m. Friday on Highway 20 east of Irvine Avenue, which is located near Blue Lakes Lodge.
Larry Pergeau, 37, of Ukiah, was driving his 2004 Ford Ranger westbound at approximately 50 miles per hour, with 39-year-old Dawn Beckwith, also of Ukiah, riding as his passenger, the CHP said.
The pedestrian was crossing Highway 20 at Irvine Avenue from south to north. As Pergeau rounded a moderate turn to the right he saw the pedestrian crossing the roadway directly ahead, the report said.
Pergeau braked and swerved his pickup to the left, but the CHP said he was unable to avoid hitting the pedestrian.
The CHP said the Willits resident struck the right side headlight, bumper and hood, and was thrown onto the north shoulder of Highway 20.
Northshore Fire Protection District personnel arrived on scene shortly afterward. Radio reports indicated paramedics attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the injured man.
Medics pronounced the man dead at the scene, the CHP said.
Pergeau was evaluated at the scene, and authorities said he was not under the influence.
The CHP said that it is not yet known if the Willits man who died was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Pergeau and Beckwith were both wearing their seat belts and were uninjured, the CHP said.
CHP Officer Chris Tuggle is investigating the crash.
This is the second crash involving a pedestrian in the county this month.
The previous incident, which occurred on Dec. 13 – also near Upper Lake – sent a Lucerne man to a regional trauma center with serious injuries, as Lake County News has reported.
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Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle
- Elizabeth Larson
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