Lindsay woman hit by car, dies while walking near Visalia

A 41-year-old Lindsay woman died Monday night after being hit by a car southeast of Visalia, the California Highway Patrol said.

Lucila Mendez, 45, was driving a 2008 Toyota Corolla north on Road 140 near Avenue 272 shortly before 6 p.m. when the victim walked from an orchard onto the road and into the path of her car, the CHP said.

Mendez was unable to avoid the pedestrian, who died at the scene.

Neither Mendez nor her two passengers were injured.

It is unknown why the victim stepped into the roadway or whether she was impaired.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 8:20 PM with the headline "Lindsay woman hit by car, dies while walking near Visalia."