Pedestrian dies after being struck by semi south of Gardnerville

Troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol are still investigating a fatality crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian after being struck by a semi tractor trailer. The traffic crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m., Friday at Highway 395 and Pine Valley Road, south of Gardnerville.

The driver of the semi, Richard Kevin Zeff from Lexington N.C., along with passenger Russell James Lowe III, from Salisbury, NC., was driving a semi, pulling a full trailer, southbound on Highway 395 approaching Pine Valley Road. For an unknown reason, a female walking on Pine Valley Road ran toward the truck. Zeff tried to avoid contact with the female, however, the female was struck by the trailer's rear wheels and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the NHP report.

Zeff and Lowe were uninjured in the crash. The company that owns the Semi Truck is Schneider Trucking out of Gary, Ind.

"The investigating troopers do not suspect Mr. Zeff was under the influence of any alcohol or drugs, however, Mr. Zeff consented to a voluntary blood draw. We will wait for the coroners report about the pedestrian and are still investigating as to why the female was on the highway," said NHP Trooper Scott Simon.

The name of the pedestrian is being withheld, pending notification of the next of kin.

Troopers, Douglas County Sheriff's Department personnel and NDOT personnel restricted traffic in the area of the crash for over five hours to diagram and investigate the area of the crash site. Traffic was diverted around the scene during that time.

Witnesses to the event are encouraged to call NHP at 688-2500 or 687-0400.