Woman Trying To Catch Dog Hit, Killed On I-85

wyff4.com ^ | 9/14/2007 | Staff

[Red in Blue PA]

ANDERSON, S.C. -- A woman from Georgia died when she was hit by four vehicles on Interstate 85 on Thursday night as she tried to rescue her dog, authorities said.

Investigators said that they believe Lou Ellena Hutgens, 68, was driving a convertible north on I-85 in Anderson County at about 10:45 p.m.

[Red in Blue PA]

Rest in Peace.

Another very sad story.

[Red in Blue PA]

I forgot to add: people who have never owned a pet will never understand.

[aruanan]

Investigators said that they believe Lou Ellena Hutgens, 68, was driving a convertible north on I-85 in Anderson County at about 10:45 p.m.

...when her unleashed dog jumped out of the car. Questioned via medium, Lou Ellena said, "I had no idea that my dog wouldn't be completely content to sit by my side no matter what! Imagine my surprise when she jumped out at the light by the on-ramp to chase that squirrel."

[Abathar]

I do. If I didn’t take a risk if my pet was in peril it would haunt me for a long, long time.

[Eagles Talon IV]

You are correct, you would indeed have to be a dog (or cat,bird etc) lover to understand why a person would jeopardize their life for one.

This is so heartbreaking.

[poobear]

“Hutgens was in the middle lane of the highway when she was hit by a sport utility vehicle, an 18-wheeler and two cars.”

Good gosh!!

[CDHart]

Why would you leave your dog loose in a convertible?

Carolyn

[Free State Four]

No Darwin award for her. She has a grandson.

[wbill]

I've owned several pets, wouldn't trade my life for any of them, though.

My children, on the other hand, would elicit an entirely different response.

Article mentions depression, sounds like there were other forces at work, here. Assuming that the reporter got the facts straight, that is.

[I still care]

“Investigators are trying to determine why Hutgens was so far from home. They said it is possible that she may have gotten bad news from the vet and that may have “set her off.” Greenville County Coroner Greg Shore said that the woman had some history of depression.”

I’ve tried to rescue dogs and things from highways. There’s almost always a way to do it without actively crossing a highway. The thing is, cars move so fast it’s hard to judge a safe distance. And she was 68.

I question if this woman was acting appropriately. They actually found the dog a way off.

[Badeye]

‘Troopers found the medical records of the dog, Shadow, in the car. The dog had run away, but troopers were able to find and catch him.’

Sad story.

[nonliberalyouth]

That's very unfortunate.

Rest in Peace.

[nuconvert]

Very sad. I wonder what the explanation is for her being out so late far from home?

[arderkrag]

Dog gone.

[Eagles Talon IV]

It may not be the same but it will indicate the love we have or can have for our pet friends.

My German Shepherd of 13.5 years was failing and it became necessary to euthanize her. Not willing to bring her to the Vet (going there terrorized her), we found one who agreed to come to the house. There among those who loved her and whom she loved she was given her last favorite meal (hot dogs) then a tranquilizer and finally when that took effect an injection of what I believe was Sodium Pentothal. Death was instantaneous. She sighed once and lowered her head, dying in my arms.

This was 5 years ago and just when I think I am all over it something like this brings it to mind and the pain of losing her comes rushing back tears and all.

[massgopguy]

And, as in the cases of people who jump in freezing waters to save their dog, the dog was able to avoid injury.

[wideminded]

Once when I was driving on I-5 in the state of Washington, I saw the following:

1. A dog running along the shoulder
2. A large gap in the fence on the side of the highway
3. A group of kids about to come through the gap to get their dog

I called 911 and reported the problem to the highway patrol. Perhaps I should have stopped as well.

[wideawake]

I forgot to add: people who have never owned a pet will never understand.

And if any human beings died while swerving to avoid her because she was chasing after a fricking dog, their surviving family members would have even less understanding.

[Red in Blue PA]

Just reading your account brings tears to my eyes. There are those who will understand entirely and those who will never come close, with almost no middle ground.