WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — First responders were dispatched about 10:35am on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to the 5800 block (milepost 19) of the Mount Baker Highway (SR542) due to report of an injury crash.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Brad Tulloch told Whatcom News they responded to a 2-vehicle head-on crash. The drivers were the only occupants of the vehicles.
One of the drivers was declared deceased at the scene and the other was transported to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center.
Tulloch said motorists can expect an extended closure to be extended while troopers investigate the scene.
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WSP issued a press memo later revealing the results of the preliminary investigation. In it they said a 2009 Mazda was westbound on SR542 and a 1992 Toyota 4Runner was eastbound. The Mazda crossed the center line and struck the Toyota head-on. Both vehicles blocked the roadway.
The driver of the Mazda, a 62-year-old male from Ferndale, was deceased at the scene. The driver of the Toyota, a 27-year-old male from Maple Falls, was injured and transported to the hospital. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
WSP investigators determined drugs or alcohol were not involved. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
WSDOT reported both lanes were reopened about 2:40pm.
Readers are encouraged to stay up to date on local driving conditions via the Whatcom News Traffic page.
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Yea. Mom with an infant in the car living in Kendall is not too happy about having to drive on S Pass in the rain just to get home with cold groceries.