Fresno woman ID’d as victim in fatal Highway 99 collision. She was in middle of traffic

The Fresno County Coroner has identified a 41-year-old Fresno woman as the victim killed on Highway 99 on Sunday.

Rachel Westfall had been attempting to cross the highway near Belmont Avenue around 6 p.m. and was struck and killed by a passing motorist. The southbound lanes were closed for more than 90 minutes and traffic backed up for two miles as officers investigated the collision.

The coroner’s office confirmed Westfall’s identity on Tuesday.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Westfall was pulling a rolling suitcase when its contents spilled out across the freeway. Westfall was on her hands and knees trying to collect the items when she was hit.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver who struck Westfall cooperated with the investigation. The CHP said it was unknown whether Westfall was impaired at the time of the collision. Toxicology results are pending.

This story was originally published December 28, 2021 at 9:55 AM.