A 20-year-old Hope man was killed while trying to cross Highway 1 near Hope on Tuesday night.
At about 11 p.m., Hope RCMP received a complaint of three people walking westbound along Highway 3. Extensive patrols were made, but no pedestrians could be located.
About half an hour later, Hope RCMP and Fraser Valley Traffic Services were notified of a pedestrian accident on Highway 1 near exit 170.
A witness at the scene confirmed four people, including three teenagers, were walking westbound on Highway 1 when the 20-year-old man attempted to run across the westbound lane of traffic toward the centre grass area.
The driver of a 2009 Chevrolet pickup swerved to avoid the teenagers on the side of the highway, but was unable to avoid the man in the fast lane. Despite a doctor stopping to provide first aid, the Hope man was pronounced dead at scene. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with police.
“This was an entirely preventable tragedy,” said Cpl. Robert McDonald, with B.C. RCMP Traffic Services. He points out that in addition to being extremely dangerous to walk or hitchhike along Highway 1, it is also illegal.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor on the part of the pedestrians. Highway 1 was closed for several hours as a result of the accident.
The name of the deceased Hope man has not been released by police at this time, pending notification of next of kin.