Virginia Injury Lawyer Blog

Western Virginia man killed by 18-wheeler while walking on I-81

Steven Michael Lecroy of Wytheville in western Virginia died Thursday after he was struck by an 18-wheeler as he walked along the shoulder of Interstate 81 in Wythe County.

Lecroy, 53, was walking in the rain at about 9 p.m. Wednesday when he was struck, The Roanoke Times reported. Lecroy was “walking along the northbound lanes” when he crossed into the path of an approaching 18-wheeler, the newspaper said. It was not clear if Lecroy was initially walking on the shoulder or on the travelled portion of the highway.

The crash happened at about 9 p.m. Wednesday near mile marker 72, about 60 miles southwest of Roanoke. Lecroy was airlifted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he died the following day.

It’s not known why Lecroy was walking alongside the highway. The Virginia State Police had received a report of a pedestrian on the highway and were searching for the pedestrian when Lecroy was struck, officials told The Times.

The driver of the 18-wheeler, who was not identified in news reports, has not been charged with a crime, the Roanoke newspaper reported.

It is illegal for pedestrians to use interstate highways in Virginia and in many other states. However, sometimes it is necessary – after an auto breakdown, for example. Authorities advise pedestrians to walk as far to the right as possible and to also carry lights, reflective vests and other tools to aid motorists in seeing them. 

Labels: accident crash fatal I-81 Interstate 81 Steven Michael Lecroy Wythe County Wytheville