is our ‘11 wrx hatch toast?

our ‘11 wrx hatch has been great. 60k miles or so. on a long freeway drive yesterday i noticed a high frequency ticking sound at low throttle or lift off. not present at higher throttle or idle. it got gradually louder. checked oil (fine) and looked for obviously loose rotating things.

it got louder and i started to feel power fluctuating. slowed, put on hazards, dropped to idle and it stalled. rolled off the freeway and had it towed.

unfortunately was 300 miles from home so it’ll be a bit of a hassle, while i wait to hear from the shop any guesses? obvious first thought was valvetrain. is that likely to be a new-motor type experience on this car? timing belt is original but only 60k miles.