Suspected impaired driver hit male pedestrian walking near Russell Street
December 31, 2025 | Airway Heights, WA
A tragic pedestrian accident in Airway Heights claimed the life of an unidentified 22-year-old male last Wednesday.
Authorities from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office reported that 22-year-old Robert Bitcon was driving the vehicle involved in the fatal incident on Sunset Highway near Russell Street.
Robert Bitcon, 22, was arrested on suspicion of DUI after his vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian on Sunset Highway in Airway Heights.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred when Bitcon's vehicle struck the pedestrian, who was walking along the highway. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and his identity has not yet been released to the public.
- Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31
- Location: Sunset Highway near Russell Street, Airway Heights, WA
- Victim: Unidentified 22-year-old male pedestrian
- Driver: Robert Bitcon, 22, of Airway Heights
- Outcome: Pedestrian deceased, and driver arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence
Bitcon reportedly informed deputies that he thought he had struck a person or an animal and waited in a nearby parking lot for first responders to arrive.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have surged in recent years, posing significant risks to vulnerable road users. Factors such as impaired driving, poor visibility, and inadequate road conditions often contribute to these preventable tragedies.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian deaths in the United States reached an estimated 6,590 in 2019, marking the highest in over three decades and outpacing other traffic fatalities.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
2019 |
6,590 |
Governors Highway Safety Association |
Trend |
Substantial increase over 30 years |
Federal Highway Administration |
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further highlights that alcohol impairment is a leading factor in about 30% of pedestrian deaths involving vehicles.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on investigating and addressing cases involving motor vehicle incidents with pedestrians.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
- Thorough investigations are crucial to identify negligence in pedestrian crashes.
- Factors like lighting and road design play key roles in prevention.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
In cases such as this, attorneys can guide families through legal processes, ensuring fair compensation while countering pressure from insurance providers.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).