A quiet stretch of Interstate 5 just north of Exit 24 became the scene of a fatal investigation early Saturday morning after a pedestrian was found deceased along the northbound shoulder.
According to the Oregon State Police, troopers were dispatched at approximately 7:20 a.m. on January 31, 2026, following a report of a person down near the on-ramp area. Upon arrival, first responders located 34-year-old Anthony Jonathan Byam of Phoenix, Oregon. Preliminary findings indicate that Byam had been struck by a vehicle traveling northbound. The driver involved did not remain at the scene.
Byam was pronounced deceased at the location.
Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect vehicle, and investigators continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials have not indicated how long Byam may have been on the roadway prior to being discovered or whether weather, visibility, or other contributing factors played a role.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, traffic along Interstate 5 was not significantly impacted during the on-scene investigation. Law enforcement managed the response in a way that allowed vehicles to continue moving through the area without extended closures.
Oregon State Police are leading the investigation and were assisted at the scene by Jackson County Fire District personnel and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Emergency responders secured the area, documented evidence, and began gathering information that could help identify the vehicle involved.
Hit-and-run crashes remain a serious concern across Oregon and nationwide, particularly in cases involving pedestrians. Law enforcement agencies routinely urge drivers to remain at the scene of any collision and to immediately report incidents involving injuries. Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death is considered a felony offense under Oregon law.
Officials have not yet announced whether they have identified any persons of interest. Anyone with information related to the incident, including motorists who may have been traveling in the area around the time of the crash, is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police.
As the investigation continues, family members and the Phoenix community are left grieving the sudden loss of a local resident. Further updates are expected as authorities gather additional evidence and pursue leads in the case.