Waikato Police are investigating a fatal crash north of Hamilton overnight that has left a pedestrian dead and a family grieving their second loss.
District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said emergency services were called to the scene of an incident in a 100km/h zone at Gordonton on SH1B about 9.10pm.
"Ambulance staff arrived to find family members attempting to resuscitate a 58-year-old woman who had been struck by a car in dark, wet conditions while walking on the road.
"The woman, a visitor from Perth, Australia died at the scene. The driver of the car was interviewed by Police and is cooperating with the Serious Crash Unit who is investigating the woman's death."
Mr Tooman said initial indications are that speed and alcohol were not factors in the crash on the part of the driver.
"I understand the area where the woman was struck down had no street lighting and she was wearing dark clothing, this is the fifth pedestrian death in the Waikato this year and we reiterate calls for road users to reduce the risk and to take steps to ensure they are seen, in the case of pedestrians that would mean wearing hi-visibility clothing when out on the road at night.
"This tragedy is made all the more tragic in that we understand the woman, whose name has not yet been released, had travelled back to the Waikato to attend the funeral of a family member last week."
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