Victim was struck by a tractor-trailer after experiencing mechnical issues with SUV; CHP seeking driver of semi-truck, described as tall Middle Eastern man
BORON, CA, (January 03, 2021) - A 52-year-old Taft man was tragically struck and killed by a tractor-trailer that fled the scene after the accident on Sunday, January 3rd in Boron.The unidentified victim was traveling in a GMC SUV on State Route 58 near U.S. 395 at about 7:30 p.m. when the vehicle began experiencing mechanical issues. He pulled over and called a tow truck when he was struck by a tractor-trailer combination. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver of the semi-truck vehicle continued to drive a short distance and then pulled over, before fleeing the scene with a passenger in tow.
Sadly, the wife of the driver of the GMC did not know what occurred, exiting the SUV to find her husband lying on the highway. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the semi-truck that struck the driver of the SUV was described as a tall Middle Eastern man. The big rig should have some front-end damage and is missing a mud flap, according to the CHP. The CHP is actively pursuing the hit-and-run driver.