Updated at 6:08 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Washington State Patrol suspects a man whose body was found about 75 feet off of U.S. Highway 12 in Grand Mound yesterday morning had been walking on the shoulder and was hit by a vehicle.
A trooper was dispatched just before 9:15 a.m. after a phone call from a motorist who thought they saw a body, according to the state patrol.
“We got aid to the scene and he was pronounced dead,” Trooper Todd Bartolac said. “He was cold to the touch.”
Bartolac said they don’t know when the man was struck or when he died.
It happened just east of Pecan Street.
The initial investigation suggests the victim had been walking along the eastbound shoulder and was hit by an unknown eastbound vehicle, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Detectives don’t yet know exactly what happened, Bartolac said. He expects the coroner will be conducting an autopsy.
The man is identified as Kenneth J. Rose, a 36-year-old resident of Tenino.
Evidence at the scene indicates the suspect vehicle is a newer, silver GMC or Chevrolet pickup or sport utility vehicle, the state patrol indicates. It would have significant damage to its front and passenger side, including to its side mirror, windshield and bumper, according to the state patrol.
Detectives are seeking witnesses or individuals who may have knowledge of the events leading up to the collision. They can contact detective Jim Meldrum at 253-538-3174 or email at james.meldrum@wsp.wa.gov