A Washington State Ferries worker who stopped to help a motorist in need was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Port Orchard Thursday. Now the search is on for the driver who killed the Good Samaritan.
The incident happened just before 5 a.m. Thursday on State Route 160 in Port Orchard. Katie Phillips, 34, had stopped to help a female driver who had run out of gas near Peppermill Road, according to Trooper Russ Winger.
Phillips went to a nearby gas station and returned with a full gas can. As she was filling up the disabled vehicle, she was struck by a beige, gold, or champagne colored passenger sedan, possibly a Toyota Camry or a Chevy Impala. The driver that hit Phillips fled the scene.
Authorities say the sedan may have aftermarket headlights, which are brighter than normal, and have damage to the front passenger headlight and grill, according to Winger.
Friends say Katie Phillips worked for Washington State Ferries for three years. She was on her way home from her overnight shift when she stopped to help the motorist.
Thursday evening, there were flowers left in her honor in front of the Southworth ferry terminal. Her supervisor, Phil Olwell, said he knew Phillips to be a kind, genuine person who touched many lives.
"Her friends and her family, including this Washington State Department of Transportation family, are vigilantly hoping to see some sort of closure and the appropriate justice, whatever that may be," said Olwell. "I know plenty of people will never forget her."
Phillips leaves behind a husband and young children.
If you have any information about the incident or the suspect vehicle, contact Washington State Patrol at (360) 473-0300.
