A man trying to cross Highway 20 on foot Friday evening was struck by a vehicle and killed.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Larry Pergeau, 37 of Ukiah, was driving his 2004 Ford Ranger westbound on Highway 20 approaching Irvine Ave. near Blue Lakes at 8:40 p.m. Dec. 26. He spotted the pedestrian as he rounded a curve.
The CHP reports that Pergeau hit the brakes and swerved, but could not avoid a collision. The victim, a Willits resident, was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Authorities have not released the victim”s name.
The CHP evaluated Pergeau and determined that he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was driving at approximately 50 miles per hour. Both he and his passenger were wearing seatbelts. They were uninjured.
It was not known at press time whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the victim”s actions.
No charges were filed. The highway patrol is investigating the incident.
