Pedestrian killed on Highway 65 in Blaine

A 42-year-old man from Blaine was struck and killed by a pickup while walking on Highway 65 near 125th Avenue just before 8 p.m. Saturday, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.^[1]

State Patrol investigators say the man had entered a northbound traffic lane on the four-lane divided highway when he was hit by a Dodge Ram, and he died from his injuries at the scene.^[1] Authorities have not said why he was on the roadway, and no other injuries were reported.^[1]

The crash happened on a 60-mph stretch of Highway 65 that has no sidewalks or marked crosswalks at that location, a design that leaves people on foot exposed to fast-moving traffic if they try to cross or walk along the road.^[1] State Patrol investigators are working to determine what led up to the man entering the lane and whether factors such as impairment, visibility, or driver distraction played any role.^[1]

Officials have not released the victim's name, pending notification of family.^[1] No arrests or citations had been announced as of Sunday morning, and authorities have not indicated that they expect to bring criminal charges, which is common in cases where a driver remains on scene and is believed to be obeying traffic laws.^[1]

The State Patrol and local agencies typically review physical evidence from the scene, interview the driver and any witnesses, and may seek surveillance or traffic camera footage from nearby businesses along the busy commercial corridor near 125th Avenue. The agency is expected to release more details, including the man's identity and any preliminary findings about contributing factors, as the investigation progresses.^[1]

1. FOX 9