FERNDALE, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) reported tonight that former Ferndale Police Chief Michael Knapp was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after being struck by a pickup truck while walking across a Lynden Street.
Aid crews were dispatched about 5:17pm today, November 5th, to a report of a pedestrian vs car incident at the intersection of 4th and Grover Streets. Unofficial reports via emergency radio reported CPR was being administered at the scene.
According to a press memo from the WSP, the pickup, a maroon 1988 Chevrolet GMT 400 pickup truck, was traveling northbound on 4th Street approaching the 200 block with its headlights turned off. The pedestrian, identified as Knapp, was crossing 4th Street, did not see the pickup and was struck.
WSP Trooper Heather Axtman said the driver of the pickup, Brant J Hilverda, age 19, remained at the scene and was cooperative with investigators.
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Click for more informationThe press memo stated it was unknown whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
Axtman said Knapp was transported to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center and then airlifted to Harborview Medical Center.
Knapp was in Lynden serving as the their interim police chief. He had served as Ferndale’s police chief from 2005 to 2016. He had replaced chief Dale Baker.
In announcing his retirement in 2016, Knapp said, “I have lived and been all over the United States and Ferndale is, by far, the kindest place I have ever been. There are a special kind of people, and I’m honored to have been part of this community.”
Knapp and his wife Nancy have been tireless volunteers at events around Ferndale and are active in the Ferndale Lions Club.
Continuing to pray and thank you for keeping the community updated.
I hope he makes a full recovery
We continue to pray🙏🙏🙏
They make them tough in Texas, Prayers for the Chief,
Well, Damn!! Consider Michael my best friend ever in Ferndale, Prayers are with him and Nancy. Hope they let me see him today.
What a shock! Wishes and prayers for a full recovery.
Best wishes to the Knapps from the Eskridge family. He’s a tough guy and we’re pulling for him!
What a shock! Prayers and wishes for a full recovery.
I’ve always had so much respect for this kind man. I hope he has a full recovery. Sending healing thoughts.
May healing light and love surround him. Wishing him a quick and complete recovery. Comforting thoughts to Nancy and the rest of his family.
Chief Knapp and Nancy, you are in our prayers. Debi and Chris Covert-Bowlds