CHARLOTTE HARBOR — The pedestrian killed Thursday morning on Interstate 75, just south of Exit 167 (Harborview Road), has been identified as Melanie Beattie, 36, of Fort Myers, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.

Beattie was discovered lying on the interstate around 4:30 a.m.

According to the report, she abandoned her car after it collided with the Peace River bridge near mile marker 167. No other car was involved in that collision, which caused only minor damage, the report shows.

However, Beattie’s car was disabled. It reportedly came to rest in the outside emergency-only lane.

“For unknown reasons, Melanie Beattie (left her vehicle and) walked across the northbound lanes, over a concrete barrier wall, and into the inside southbound lane,” the FHP report states. “According to the drivers involved, (she) was lying in the inside lane.”

While lying in the roadway, Beattie was struck by several vehicles, including: a 2011 Toyota Camry driven by Vicky L. Anderson, 48, of Venice; a 2005 Pontiac minivan driven by Paulette Stilson, 65, of Port Charlotte; a 2001 Kenworth truck driven by Reginald Williams, 47, of Tampa; a 2008 Toyota pickup driven by Richard Malenzi, 50, of Punta Gorda; and a fifth unknown vehicle.

Whether alcohol was involved with Beattie’s actions remains pending, according to the report. Alcohol was not a factor for any of the named drivers in the incident, nor were any other injuries reported.

Several other motorists who witnessed the collisions stopped and called 911. However, the FHP in Fort Myers is requesting anyone who observed Beattie prior to the crash to contact Cpl. Juan Quintana, homicide investigator, at 239-938-1800.

Email: gmartin@sun-herald.com