SPOKANE, Wash. — A 73-year-old woman died after being struck by a truck in a Washington roadway, and authorities say the driver allegedly left the scene rather than stopping to help.

Karen Miller was walking in the area of North Perry Road and East Appaloosa Lane, just north of Spokane’s city limits, when she was hit Tuesday night.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to the crash at approximately 7:50 p.m. after witnesses reported that a vehicle had struck a pedestrian and then driven away.

Callers reportedly told authorities that the woman had been left lying in the road.

Medical personnel rushed Miller to a nearby hospital with what initially appeared to be potentially life-threatening injuries. She later died.

Deputies Find Suspected Driver Nearby

As deputies investigated the crash, they reportedly encountered a truck being driven by John F. Bligh, 78. Authorities said the vehicle showed signs of damage consistent with the crash, including a missing mirror.

Deputies stopped Bligh and began questioning him about what had happened.

According to investigators, Bligh acknowledged that he had been drinking before the crash. He reportedly told authorities that he had consumed “a couple glasses” of wine at a bar before leaving to go to a grocery store.

Investigators then began piecing together what had happened on the road.

Surveillance Video Shows What Happened

Nearby surveillance footage reportedly provided investigators with additional information about the moments leading up to the collision.

According to authorities, the video showed Bligh driving approximately 50 mph in a 25 mph zone as Miller attempted to cross Perry Road. The footage reportedly showed the truck braking and then swerving before striking Miller.

Instead of remaining at the scene, investigators say Bligh continued driving.

The woman was left in the roadway until medical personnel arrived and began treating her. The investigation eventually connected Bligh’s damaged truck to the fatal collision, according to authorities.

Police Say Driver Failed Sobriety Tests

Authorities also said Bligh displayed signs of impairment during the investigation. Investigators reported that he failed three field sobriety tests after being stopped.

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A breath test reportedly recorded a 0.065 blood alcohol concentration, a figure below the standard 0.08 legal limit for drivers in Washington but one that authorities considered alongside the other circumstances of the case.

The investigation into the crash continued as deputies reviewed surveillance footage and gathered evidence.

‘Whatever’ Response Raises Questions

When investigators informed Bligh about the charges he was facing, authorities said he repeatedly responded with “whatever.” According to regional reports, investigators said Bligh did not appear remorseful when confronted about the fatal crash.

His alleged response has become one of the most striking details in a case involving the death of a woman who was simply walking along the road.

Authorities have charged Bligh with vehicular homicide, hit-and-run causing death and reckless driving. The charges accuse him of conduct that allegedly led to Miller’s death and of leaving the crash scene afterward.

Bligh Held on $150,000 Bail

Following his arrest, Bligh was booked into jail, where his bail was set at $150,000. He is scheduled to enter a plea on Sept. 9.

The case remains active, and the charges against Bligh are allegations at this stage. A court will determine the outcome as the legal process continues.

For Miller’s family and those who witnessed the crash, the tragedy has left behind questions about what happened in the moments before she was struck and why the driver allegedly continued on after the collision.

The investigation and upcoming court proceedings are expected to provide more details about the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

What do you think about the allegations in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments below.