Driver sought after deadly Lane County hit-and-run on Hwy 126

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon State Police is searching for a suspected driver behind a hit-and-run crash that killed a Veneta, Ore. man, authorities announced Tuesday.

Just before 6 a.m. on August 31, OSP responded to a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Highway 126 at the Huston Road intersection in Lane County.

A preliminary investigation found that the pedestrian – identified as 22-year-old Dakota Gilbert of Veneta – entered the roadway and was struck by an SUV traveling eastbound.

Gilbert was declared dead at the scene.

Authorities said the driver did not stop at the scene of the crash and has not been identified.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help locating and identifying the driver of the suspect vehicle, believed to be a light colored 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox.

OSP said the SUV will likely have front-end damage, possibly lower to the ground, and is likely operable.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Oregon State Police.