Union Gap, WA (June 22, 2026) – A woman was killed on Saturday night, June 20, after being struck by a truck and trailer while walking along Interstate 82 in Union Gap.
According to information released by the Washington State Patrol, the fatality occurred at about 10 p.m., near the merge lane connecting Valley Mall Boulevard to westbound I-82 at Exit 36. Investigators said the woman had been standing in the merge lane before entering westbound traffic, where a truck pulling a trailer hit her.
The woman died at the roadside. Her identity has not been released as officials work to notify her family. The truck driver was not injured, and no charges were filed following the collision.
Earlier that evening, a separate rollover on Edison Road east of State Route 241 near Sunnyside claimed the life of 37-year-old Danny M. Moreno of Sunnyside. State patrol investigators said Moreno was driving east shortly before 9:30 p.m. when his Honda Pilot left the roadway and overturned. He was the only occupant.
Moreno lost his life in the rollover. Investigators reported that he was not wearing a seat belt, and the cause remains under review; they are continuing to examine both fatal crashes to determine all contributing factors.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends mourning these tragic losses.
Why Are Pedestrian Fatalities on High-Speed Highways So Dangerous?
Pedestrians face an extremely high risk of death when they enter highways where vehicles travel at interstate speeds. Drivers usually have only seconds to react, especially at night or in areas where visibility is limited. Even attentive motorists may be unable to avoid a person who suddenly enters a travel lane.
High-speed roadways are designed for continuous vehicle movement and typically lack safe pedestrian accommodations such as sidewalks, crosswalks, or protected crossings. For that reason, walking along or across an interstate can be especially hazardous. Safety experts mostly encourage anyone experiencing vehicle trouble to move as far from traffic as possible and seek assistance from a secure location. Education, roadway awareness, and visibility measures remain key factors in reducing pedestrian deaths on major highways.
