Updated: July 9, 2026

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Officials say a pedestrian was killed just after midnight Wednesday, July 8, after being hit by a truck on northbound I-43 at the Capitol Drive off-ramp. 

The victim was identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office Thursday as 45-year-old James Spears. 

First responders attempted lifesaving measures, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office says the cause of the crash remains under investigation; however, it appears the man was standing or walking in the road when struck. The sheriff's office says a preliminary investigation suggests the truck driver was rounding a bend in the freeway and unable to avoid him. 

Updated: 5:03 a.m. on July 8, 2026

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — All lanes of I-43 Northbound have been reopened and traffic has resumed as of 4:50a.m.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office was investigating a vehicle vs pedestrian incident early this morning, Wednesday July 8th, at 12:04a.m. and, due to the severity and nature of the incident and investigative process needed to be conducted, had the freeway completely shut down to ensure the safety of first responders and investigators.

This remains a developing story. Stick with CBS 58 for updates on-air and online.

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Posted: 3:58a.m. on July 8th 2026

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - A freeway closure involving all lanes on I-43 Northbound at the Capitol Drive off-ramp has been underway since 12:04a.m. with a heavy presence of MCSO squads on the scene fully investigating.

This is a developing story. Stick with CBS 58 for updates on-air and online.