Authorities have identified the woman who died after being struck by a vehicle Friday night on West Dodge Road.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the victim was 36-year-old Cheri Blue, of Emporia, Kansas. Deputies responded to the crash scene around 10:20 p.m. Friday near 237th Street and West Dodge Road, where Blue was found after being hit by a vehicle.
Deputies Respond To Fatal Crash
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the scene after receiving a report of a pedestrian being struck.
When first responders reached the area, they found Blue had been hit by a vehicle. Deputies began life-saving measures at the scene while waiting for medics to arrive.
Despite those efforts, medical personnel pronounced Blue dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released the name of the driver involved in the crash. Officials also have not said whether any citations or arrests have been made.
Victim Was Near Parked Vehicle
Investigators said Blue had been one of three people inside a gray Toyota that was parked on the shoulder along the westbound side of West Dodge Road.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators believe Blue had exited the Toyota before the crash. Authorities said she had reportedly been arguing with another person before she ended up in a lane of traffic.
At some point, Blue was struck by a vehicle traveling in the area. Officials have not released further details about the moments immediately before impact.
Investigation Remains Active
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal crash.
Authorities are expected to review the circumstances that led to Blue being in the roadway, including witness statements, vehicle positioning and any available evidence from the scene.
Investigators have not said whether speed, impairment, visibility or road conditions may have played a role in the crash.
Because the incident happened at night, deputies are also asking anyone who may have been traveling in the area around the time of the crash to come forward if they saw anything unusual.
Authorities Seek Witnesses
The sheriff’s office is asking witnesses to contact investigators.
Anyone who saw the incident, the gray Toyota parked on the shoulder, the argument, or the crash itself is urged to provide information. Authorities said tips can be submitted online through the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or by calling 402-444-6000.
Witness information may help investigators determine the full timeline of events before Blue was struck.
Roadway Safety Concerns
Fatal pedestrian crashes on busy roads often involve complicated circumstances, especially when a person exits a vehicle near active traffic lanes.
Officials have not released a broader safety statement connected to this crash, but law enforcement agencies commonly urge drivers to remain alert near stopped vehicles and shoulders, especially at night.
Pedestrians are also encouraged to stay clear of travel lanes whenever possible and use caution when outside a vehicle on or near a roadway.
Cheri Blue, 36, of Emporia, Kansas, has been identified as the woman killed Friday night after being struck by a vehicle on West Dodge Road.
Investigators said she had exited a parked gray Toyota and was believed to have been involved in an argument before entering a lane of traffic. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate and is asking witnesses to contact authorities.