BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham Police say their initial investigation showed no signs or indicators of drugs, alcohol or reckless driving by 2 drivers involved in a pedestrian fatality on N Samish Way on Saturday, February 18th.
Bellingham Police Department (BPD) Lieutenant Claudia Murphy told Whatcom News via email that BPD officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Samish Way about 7:40pm due to reports of vehicle versus pedestrian crash. Reports received by What-Comm 911 call receivers were that a second vehicle was involved.
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Click for more informationThe officers determined the driver of the first car was heading south on N. Samish Way approaching a crosswalk when the car collided with [the pedestrian]. The driver did not see [the pedestrian] until they collided with [the pedestrian]. This driver pulled over immediately after the collision. [The pedestrian] was in the lane of travel, but the crosswalk lights had not been activated. A second driver coming up behind saw the first car pulled over, with hazards on, but was unable to avoid colliding with [the pedestrian], who was lying in the roadway by this time. The second driver pulled over immediately after the collision. Both were on scene when police arrived. Bellingham Police Department Lieutenant Claudia Murphy (February 20, 2023)
The pedestrian, a 47-year-old Bellingham man, was declared dead at the scene.
When asked about any charges or citations resulting from the incident, Murphy said no drugs, alcohol or speed violations are suspected for either driver and neither driver could see the pedestrian in the roadway prior to the collision. Murphy added the pedestrian was seen yelling from the sidewalk and was struck when he attempted to cross the street.
N Samish Way was closed for approximately 2 hours while the scene was investigated.