Alleged driver in fatal Forks hit-run due in court today; social-media tributes to young mom build
Lonnie Archibald/for Peninsula Daily News
Aamanda Louise LaGambina, who was hit by a truck while walking along Calawah Way in Forks, is shown with her horse in this photo taken in 2007.
By Arwyn Rice
Peninsula Daily News
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Garrid James Larson, who called police and surrendered to officers at his home after the accident, is scheduled to make his first court appearance at 1 p.m. today in the Clallam County Courthouse in Port Angeles.
Larson remained in Clallam County jail late Tuesday for investigation of felony hit-and-run.
The State Patrol reported that Aamanda Louise LaGambina, 25, also of Forks, was hit by Larson's 2000 red Toyota pickup about 8:45 p.m. Monday while walking on Calawah Way near Leppell Road.
According to troopers, Larson was driving eastbound on Calawah Way, and LaGambina was walking westbound toward town.
The truck carried her down the road before she fell off, investigators said.
LaGambina was pronounced dead at Forks Community Hospital.
LaGambina, a 2005 graduate of Forks High School, was a student at Peninsula College in 2012 and has a young daughter.
Family members declined comment Tuesday afternoon.
However, memorial and tribute messages to LaGambina mounted on social media websites.
Tyeson LaGambina, her brother, wrote on her Facebook page:
“I'm lost without you already, sis. I cannot live life the same without you.
“Big sister, you have always been my role model. I have always looked up to you and wanted to be just like you. . . .
“God, I miss you sooo much already, sis. I honestly do not know what I am going to do without you.”
Friend Amber Hull wrote:
“I will treasure the memories we had forever and always! You are going to be a beautiful angel, Amanda!”
There were no apparent witnesses to the collision, State Patrol spokesman Trooper Russ Winger said.
A passer-by spotted LaGambina in the road and called 9-1-1.
Forks police who answered the call found her lying in the road at 1301 Calawah Way.
An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, said Mark Nichols, Clallam County chief deputy prosecuting attorney.
The county Prosecuting Attorney's Office also serves as coroner.
Winger said the State Patrol is investigating such aspects as whether LaGambina was walking in the travel lane and whether she was wearing clothing that would blend into the darkness.
Investigators already know that she was walking against traffic in the eastbound lane, he said.
The road in that area has no sidewalks or streetlights, and National Weather Service records indicate that rain was falling at the time.
After police arrived at Larson's home, he was tested for drug and alcohol consumption, and there was no indication that he was under the influence of an intoxicant, Winger said.
Larson's pickup truck was towed to the State Patrol's Port Angeles vehicle yard as part of the investigation.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: March 12. 2013 5:40PM
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