A Delta Junction man died Tuesday when he was hit while walking along the Alaska Highway by a vehicle that left the scene before authorities arrived, Alaska State Troopers said.
John Emerick, 47, was walking southbound on the paved shoulder of the highway near Delta Junction when he was struck, according to troopers spokesman Tim DeSpain. Troopers, responding to a report of a body in the road just before 10:20 p.m., arrived to find the driver who struck Emerick had fled, they said.
Evidence from the scene led investigators to believe that the suspect’s vehicle is dark gray or blue, and that it drove toward Tok after hitting the man, troopers said Wednesday. An investigation continues.
Troopers urged anyone who may have witnessed the collision or have information about it to call 907-451-5100 or submit tips anonymously through the AKTips smartphone app or online. That includes anyone with dashboard camera footage between 9:30 p.m. and Wednesday morning from the Alaska Highway east of Delta Junction, troopers said.