Anna Pump of Loaves and Fishes Killed in Bridgehampton Accident

Update, 5:10 p.m.: The well-known chef and author Anna Pump, 81, was struck by a pickup truck as she was crossing Montauk Highway near the Bridgehampton Post Office Monday evening. She died from her injuries at about 10 p.m. that night, Southampton Town police said Tuesday. Ms. Pump had reportedly just returned from Manhattan via the Jitney.

The Bridgehampton Fire Department arrived on the scene within minutes. It happened to be holding a departmental meeting at the time, about 7:30, and brought out the heavy rescue truck after receiving a report that Ms. Pump was pinned under the pickup. She was taken to Southampton Hospital by a Bridgehampton Fire Department ambulance crew.

Police said she was walking north in the crosswalk by the Bridgehampton Post Office. 

Ms. Pump, the author of several cookbooks, including the popular "The Loaves and Fishes Cookbook," first published in 1987, was a partner in Loaves and Fishes in Sagaponack, the Loaves and Fishes Cookshop in Bridgehampton, and the Bridgehampton Inn and Restaurant, not far from where the accident occurred.

The driver of the 1997 Dodge Dakota pickup truck that hit Ms. Pump was identified as Luis Ortega, 40, of Water Mill. He was arrested and charged with circumventing an interlock device, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failing to yield for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. He was "sent for medical treatment," police said, and released from custody. He is due back in court in November. 

Originally, 1:29 p.m.: A woman died after being struck by a westbound pickup truck on Montauk Highway near the Bridgehampton Post Office on Monday evening at about 7:30, Southampton Town police said.

The woman, whose identity police have not yet released, had reportedly just returned from a trip to Manhattan aboard the Hampton Jitney.

According to the police, the driver of the truck, whose name has also not been released, was cited for driving a vehicle lacking an interlock ignition device, required due to a previous driving while intoxicated conviction. He was not cited for any violations related to the accident, but the investigation is ongoing.

Police ask that anyone with information about the incident contact the Southampton Town detective squad at 728-5000.