Man In High Heels Killed By Truck

PHILOMATH, Ore. - An Idaho man in high heels, a pink blouse and a black skirt with matching nylons was killed when he stepped - apparently intentionally - in front of a truck loaded with wood chips.

Melvin Charles Marks Jr., 25, of Boise was killed about 1:45 a.m. Friday on U.S. Highway 20, said Benton County sheriff's deputy Laurie Godfrey.

Investigators had difficulty identifying Marks; he carried a black purse, but it contained no identification, Godfrey said. He also wore a black suede jacket with fringe. He wore makeup and fingernail polish.

Marks had left the Woodsman Tavern about 45 minutes before the accident, manager Larry Sams said. Marks ordered two beers and a bowl of chili after arriving at the tavern about 11:30 p.m.

Truck driver Robert Leroy Cummins, 38, of Springfield told investigators he saw Marks standing in the middle of the highway and swerved toward the edge of the road, but the deep ditch prevented him from going too far.

Marks then took one or two steps directly into the path of the truck, Godfrey said. The truck was going about 40 mph and the driver was unable to avoid hitting him, she said. Marks was thrown about 100 feet.

Investigators haven't concluded that the man's death was a suicide, but "at a minimum, he was very intent" in his actions, Godfrey said.

The accident remains under investigation; an autopsy may be conducted, Godfrey said.