GILLETTE, Wyo. — A 75-year-old man died at about 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5 after he was hit by a vehicle on Interstate 90 near milepost 127 in Gillette, law enforcement reported today.
Campbell County Coroner Paul Wallem said Aug. 7 that James Lloyd Smith was officially pronounced deceased at 2:48 p.m. at the hospital from massive head trauma. There was no need for an autopsy.
Smith, of Greenville, Texas, had been driving a pickup and towing a travel trailer eastbound on I-90, when the left rear tire of the trailer detached from the axle and went into the median, according to a Wyoming Highway Patrol news release. Smith pulled onto the right shoulder of the roadway and exited his vehicle, seeking to retrieve the tire.
An eastbound motorhome merged to the left due to the stopped pickup and trailer, the release said. Smith entered the roadway as the motorhome passed. The driver of the motorhome attempted to avoid Smith but was unsuccessful. Smith was struck by the motorhome.
Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers were notified of the crash at 2:23 p.m. Pedestrian inattention is being investigated as a possible cause of the crash.
Emergency medical services arrived on the scene and transported Smith to the hospital, where he died, the release said. No charges have been filed at this time.
Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and Gillette Police Department also assisted at the scene, according to law enforcement records.
Undersheriff Quentin Reynolds said people began CPR before emergency service arrived.
Milepost 127 is near the intersection of Highway 59 and I-90, which is exit 126.
This story is still developing. More information may become available.
