Redmond police ID victim in fatal car-pedestrian crash
A 65-year-old Redmond man who was struck and fatally injured by a car at a southwest Redmond intersection Monday evening was crossing the street against the pedestrian control “don’t walk” signal, police said Tuesday.
Redmond police Lt. Jesse Petersen said officers responded to the vehicle-pedestrian crash, reported around 5:09 p.m. at the intersection of Southwest Canal Boulevard and Odem Medo Road, west of Highway 97.
The victim, identified as Spencer Robinson White, was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend, where he later was pronounced dead, Petersen said.
He said White was wearing dark clothes and crossing the intersection in a marked crosswalk but against the pedestrian control device when he was struck by a 2006 Silver Toyota Pris driven by Patricia Rursch, 57, of Bend.
The driver stopped at the crash scene and cooperated with police as they began their investigation, he said, noting that Canal Boulevard has two north-south lanes and two turn lanes at the intersection.
Rursch was driving south on Canal Boulevard when the collision occurred in a crosswalk at Odem Medo Road during the evening commute, about a half-hour after sunset.
While the investigation is ongoing, Petersen said alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, on either the driver’s or pedestrian’s part.
Officers on scene diverted traffic and closed southbound Canal Boulevard at the intersection for the crash reconstruction, in which Redmond was assisted by Bend police, Petersen said.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, knows someone who did or has other information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact Redmond police through Deschutes County dispatchers at (541) 693-6911.
Redmond police reminded residents to wear bright or reflecting clothing during darkness or limited visibility, while on or near roadways. They also reminded drivers to watch for pedestrians when approaching intersections, and for pedestrians to obey crosswalk control devices and make sure it is safe before entering a crosswalk.
Also assisting at the crash scene and in the investigation was the Deschutes County sheriff’s and DA’s offices and Redmond Fire and Rescue.
NewsChannel 21’s Kandra Kent will have more on this fatal crash tonight at 4 on Fox and 5/6 on NBC.
