Veterinarian, Wife, Kids Hit, Killed By Pickup

A veterinarian and three family members were killed by a pickup truck after stopping on a dark country road to examine an injured bobcat.

A motorist had gone to Dr. Mark Matli’s home for help Tuesday after hitting the animal, and Matli and his family followed the man back to the bobcat.

They were hit by a pickup that swerved into a ditch to avoid them as they darted off the road, said Highway Patrol Lt. Don Stockton.

Matli was killed along with his wife, Marilyn, 43, and their sons, Marcus, 15, and Trevar, 11. The Matlis’ daughter, Jennifer, had stayed in the family’s van and was not hurt.

The driver of the pickup was not seriously hurt. No immediate charges were filed.