(AZ511 photo)
Surprise, Ariz. - The Department of Public Safety closed the southbound lanes of Loop 303 due to a crash that involved a pedestrian on December 26.
According to a report, a man was believed to be retrieving a ladder that fell off his vehicle when he was struck by a truck.
The pedestrian, identified as 79-year-old German Perez Ortiz, Jr. of Surprise, died at the scene.
The crash happened near the Peoria Road exit and the freeway was closed a few exits north, at Waddell Road.
Alternate routes included Cotton Lane and Sarival Road while investigators scoured the scene, collecting evidence and clearing the area.
The roadway was reopened around 4 p.m.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by DPS and the Arizona Department of Transportation.