Sheriff: Pedestrian struck by vehicle, killed on I-43 near Hampton; 2 arrests made

MILWAUKEE -- A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and killed on I-43 northbound near Hampton Avenue Saturday night, Feb. 2, just before 11 p.m. Family members identified the victim as Randy James, 54. They said they believe James was walking to meet a friend to hang out, and got lost in the dark.

"He was going to visit a friend on Hampton, and I think he got lost. We are kind of hurt right now. My mom, my aunties -- that's their brother. They were very close," said Taran James, Randy's nephew.

Officials with the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said a report came in that the victim was walking on the freeway before being struck. The victim sustained massive injuries, and the medical examiner was called out to the scene.

Sheriff's officials noted during their investigation, two vehicles were located, and the drivers were questioned. Those drivers were said to be cooperating with the investigation, and the vehicles were being held by sheriff's officials. A third driver and vehicle were being sought in connection with the investigation.

Taran James

Two vehicles were stopped and the drivers questioned after sheriff's officials said the drivers traveled through the perimeter during the investigation. One driver, a 20-year-old woman, was arrested on three counts of first degree recklessly endangering safety and OWI. A second woman, 30, was arrested on one count of OWI, second offense.

Family members said the Randy James left behind many nieces and nephews now looking for answers.

"That's how I'll remember him by -- a good uncle. Uncle Randy," said Taran James.

Candie Barons

"It's kind of hard to take in news like this," said Candie Barons, niece. "Never been on that road before, got lost and ended up on the ground. Someone hit him not once, but twice. We're gonna come through it. That's what we do. That's what the James' do. We stick together and come through it. Why are you on the highway? You can't have the answers to everything, but I'm gonna miss my uncle. Rest in peace."

Sheriff's officials, in a news release, asked that drivers please look out for pedestrians walking on the interstate and on county roads and highways. They also encouraged pedestrians not to walk in the roadways.

The investigation is ongoing.

The freeway was closed at Capitol Drive following the incident, and drivers were asked to avoid the area.  The closure lasted about four hours.