MOSES LAKE, Wash. — Pedestrian Fatally Struck by Vehicle on I-90 Identified as 46-Year-Old Randy Raap
Tragedy struck early this week on Interstate 90 in Moses Lake, Washington, where a pedestrian was killed after being hit by a vehicle in the eastbound lanes near the Broadway exit. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) confirmed that 46-year-old Randy Raap died at the scene following the collision.
Incident Details
According to a press memo released by the WSP, the fatal crash occurred near the Broadway Overpass. A witness reported seeing a person, later identified as Raap, walking along or near the overpass above the interstate shortly before the collision took place. Moments later, a vehicle traveling eastbound on I-90 struck the pedestrian at the Broadway exit.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, Raap was pronounced dead at the site of the accident. The eastbound lanes were temporarily impacted as investigators worked to document the scene and collect evidence, though the highway was later reopened to traffic.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have stated that the driver involved in the incident remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. No charges have been filed at this time. The WSP has not released the name of the driver, and there is currently no indication of impairment or criminal negligence.
The cause of the crash remains under active investigation. Officials have not confirmed why Raap was on or near the interstate, a location where pedestrian presence is both dangerous and generally prohibited. It remains unclear whether Raap was attempting to cross the freeway or was otherwise disoriented.
The Washington State Patrol is continuing to collect witness statements and examine any available surveillance or dashcam footage to better understand the circumstances that led to the fatal incident.
Community Reaction and Roadway Safety Concerns
The death of Randy Raap has reverberated through the Moses Lake community, particularly as pedestrian-involved highway accidents remain rare — but often deadly — in this part of the state. Interstate 90 is a major thoroughfare with high-speed traffic, making pedestrian presence on or near the roadway especially hazardous.
Local residents have expressed both sorrow and concern in the wake of the incident. “It’s heartbreaking. You never expect something like this to happen here,” said a nearby resident who frequently uses the Broadway exit. “The area’s not well lit at night, and it’s just not a place where people should be walking.”
While pedestrian traffic on highways is typically restricted for safety reasons, such incidents sometimes involve individuals facing mental health challenges, experiencing homelessness, or attempting to cross the highway due to a lack of pedestrian infrastructure.
Remembering Randy Raap
Little has been released about Raap’s background at this time, though community members are already expressing condolences to his family and friends. As authorities work to notify next of kin and gather more information, questions remain about what brought Raap to the dangerous stretch of I-90 that night.
Moving Forward
The WSP has reminded drivers to remain vigilant, especially in low-light conditions or areas where pedestrian presence — though rare — is still a possibility. They also urge the public to avoid walking on or near high-speed roadways and to contact emergency services if they see someone in danger near a highway.
As the investigation continues, anyone with information related to the incident — particularly those who may have witnessed the pedestrian on or near the overpass or highway — is encouraged to contact the Washington State Patrol.
This remains a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.