Army Reservist Struck, Killed On Highway 69

SUV Driver Apparently Unable To Avoid Hitting Woman

Overland Park, Kansas - An Army reservist home on leave was struck and killed as she walked along Highway 69 early Friday morning.

Authorities said that shortly before 4 a.m., dispatchers received calls from drivers alerting them to a pedestrian on the highway. A few minutes later, police received calls about the accident.

KMBC's Donna Pitman reported that the driver of an SUV was apparently unable to avoid hitting the 24-year-old woman.

The lady (driver) had just gotten off work. It's tragic. The lady appeared in front of her and stuck her. She's very upset, but has been cooperating with us, " Sgt. Todd Chappell said.

Police have not released the victim's name. They did tell KMBC that she was home on leave from Iraq for her brother's wedding.

Crews temporarily blocked off the southbound lanes of Highway 69 from College to 119th Street for several hours to investigate the accident.