A 72-year-old pedestrian was fatally struck by two vehicles while walking across Highway 61 early Thursday morning near LaMoille in Winona County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
The incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. when Lois Irene Davis of Winona crashed her vehicle into a ditch after crossing Highway 61 from Winona County Road 7. She exited her vehicle and began walking across the highway when she was hit by an oncoming vehicle. That driver stopped, but a second vehicle then also struck Davis.
She was pronounced dead at the scene. Road conditions were wet at the time of the incident, and authorities do not believe alcohol was involved. It remains unclear what caused the initial crash or why Davis was walking across the highway.
Officials urge drivers to stay alert and for pedestrians to avoid crossing highways whenever possible. Here are some tips:
- Avoid crossing highways; use designated crosswalks.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing in low light.
- Walk facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.
- Stay alert; avoid phones and headphones.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Don’t cross in poor visibility or wet conditions.
- After a crash, stay in your vehicle if safe and call for help.
The tragedy highlights the importance of pedestrian safety, especially on high-speed roadways during low visibility conditions.
