Woman hit on I-40, is killed

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Phil Stake
Staff writer

GALLUP — A young, unidentified woman was struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate Highway 40 early Monday morning. She was apparently attempting to cross the highway in the Sundance/Churchrock area, near mile marker 29. According to the truck driver, he saw her just before impact standing on the outside right, eastbound lane. Impact occurred around 3:45 a.m.

McKinley County Sheriff’s investigators have not yet identified the girl, who is described as Native American and in her late teens or early 20s. She had long brown hair and brown eyes, and was wearing a black “2pac” pullover and blue Converse All-Star sneakers. Fingerprint identification yielded no identification match, according to investigators.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was released after questioning.

Anyone who may have information about the identity of the young woman is encouraged to contact McKinley County Sheriff’s Chief Investigator, Sgt. Albert Benally, by calling (505) 722-7205.