A 17-year-old pedestrian was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a Toyota Tacoma on Highway 99 south of Herndon Avenue, the California Highway Patrol said.

CHP officers said the teen male was attempting to cross the northbound lanes from the east shoulder toward the center divider when he ran into the path of the pickup truck. The driver was unable to avoid hitting him, and the teen was propelled back onto the east shoulder.

Emergency personnel arrived and attempted life-saving measures, but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained on site and is cooperating with the investigation. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors.

“This is an incredibly tragic loss, especially involving someone so young,” CHP Commander Capt. Ian Holguin said. “Freeways are designed for high-speed vehicle travel and leave drivers with little to no time to react to unexpected hazards. Pedestrians on freeways are at extreme risk.”

The CHP urged anyone who sees someone on a freeway to call 9-1-1 immediately. The agency extended its condolences to the teen’s family and loved ones.

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