DEMING, Wash. — First responders were dispatched to Valley Highway (SR9) near the Nooksack River bridge about 6:10pm today, January 4th, due to a report of a pedestrian versus plow truck collision.
This incident was 1 of several crashes first responders were dispatched to during a snow event this evening.
About 7:15pm, Washington State Patrol Trooper Jacob Kennett said Valley Highway was fully blocked due to a “plow truck vs. pedestrian fatality collision.” Troopers were on scene investigating. Motorists were advised to avoid the area since there was no detour.
This would be the second pedestrian fatality today. Another occurred on the Guide Meridian.
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Click for more informationApproximate location of the incident
Officials with Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) said on the following morning, January 5th, that a WCPW plow truck was involved, and the driver immediately stopped and provided aid to the victim.
The Washington State Patrol also issued a press memo the following morning detailing the incident. It said the pedestrian had been walking northbound on a small eastside shoulder of Valley Highway while wearing dark clothing and with his back to oncoming traffic. The WCPW plow truck was also northbound when it struck the pedestrian.
The pedestrian, identified as a 47-year-old Deming man, was declared deceased at the scene.
As of January 5th, WSP continued to investigate the cause of the collision. Neither drugs nor alcohol were considered to be factors.
