The victim killed when he was struck by a truck on Ocean Boulevard in Coos Bay has been identified. 43-year-old Rex Lawton of Coos Bay died after being struck by a box truck while he was outside of his stalled vehicle. The truck was driven by 50-year-old Joseph Gayewski who remained on the scene while the investigation took place. Police say witnesses indicated the small Mazda vehicle had been stopped in the westbound lane. Lawton was reportedly under the truck when emergency crews arrived to render aid. He was transported to Bay Area Hospital where he later died from his injuries. Gayewski was cited for Reckless Driving and released from the Coos Bay Police Station. He had been taken into custody while the investigation was underway. Police are still searching for a woman who reportedly ran from the area according to witnesses. She is a white, adult female wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
The Coos County Crash Team was assembled to assist with the investigation. An accident reconstruction crew was also on scene. The road that connects Empire with downtown Coos Bay was closed for nearly seven hours while the investigation took place. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information on the crash or the woman should call the Coos Bay Police Department (541) 269-8911 or Coos Stop Crime at (541) 267-6666.
