UPDATE: Pedestrian killed when hit by truck in Valle Vista identified

Writer’s note: I have definitely caught a lot of grief over an earlier version of this report that referenced the victim as being “elderly”. Although the reference has since been removed, it can still be seen in the title of some of my earlier Facebook shares.

This was an update to my original story. The CHP officer I originally spoke with could not provide a name or age, pending the coroner’s release of information, and he simply described the victim as an “elderly female.” Once the coroner released the victim’s name and age and I updated my report, it never even occurred to me to change the “elderly” reference.

I usually do not refer to someone as elderly until they are 65 or older. This was an unfortunate oversight on my part. 

VALLE VISTA – The Riverside County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of last Saturday’s fatal vehicle versus pedestrian traffic accident. The accident occurred on Mar. 12, at about 6:40 p.m. According to California Highway Patrol officials, the 56-year-old victim had been walking in the dark, in all-black clothing when she was struck by a passing motorist.

CHP and coroner’s reports indicate Thelma Hamilton was struck by a Chevrolet pickup truck being driven by 23-year-old Asa Graham. The collision happened West of the intersection of New Chicago and Florida Avenues, as Hamilton was crossing State Highway 74 in the unincorporated community of Valle Vista.

According to CHP officials, Hamilton had been walking across Florida Avenue as Graham was driving westbound. Hamilton reportedly stepped directly in front of Graham’s truck and was fatally struck.

The coroner’s report stated Hamilton was killed in the roadway in front of 43271 State Highway 74. Her time of death was listed as 6:42 p.m.

CHP officials have not eliminated alcohol or drugs as factors in the fatal crash. Although Graham, the driver of the truck, was not arrested or cited, officials noted that Hamilton had been walking home from a bar when she was struck.

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