MOSES LAKE, Wash. — A tragic accident on Interstate 90 claimed the life of 56-year-old Randy H. Raap on Sunday morning after he was struck by a vehicle while on foot in the eastbound lanes. The Washington State Patrol confirmed Raap’s identity following the fatal collision near the Broadway Avenue overpass.
According to investigators, Raap had been seen earlier that day on the Broadway Avenue overpass, but what led him from that location down to the highway remains unclear. Just before noon, around 11:54 a.m., Raap was reportedly walking along the interstate when he was hit by a 2020 Subaru Forester. The vehicle was being driven by a 30-year-old man from Everett, with a 31-year-old woman, also from Everett, in the passenger seat.
The couple was not injured in the collision. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene but were unable to save Raap, who was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. Authorities have not disclosed why Raap was on the highway or how long he had been there before the crash occurred.
At this point in the investigation, there are no signs of wrongdoing by the driver. Officials believe the collision was likely unavoidable due to the sudden and unexpected presence of a pedestrian on a high-speed roadway. The Washington State Patrol is continuing to examine the incident and is reviewing all possible factors, including whether the incident could have been intentional or related to a medical or mental health issue.
The crash has raised concerns about pedestrian safety on major highways, where foot traffic is both illegal and highly dangerous. Interstates like I-90 are not designed for pedestrian use, and any presence of individuals outside of vehicles poses a serious risk to both drivers and themselves.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Raap on the overpass or on the highway before the collision to come forward. Any information could help piece together the timeline of events and clarify the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
Raap’s death has left the Moses Lake community in mourning, and the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unexpected roadway encounters. No charges are expected to be filed against the driver involved, and officials are focusing on understanding why Raap was on the highway that day.
