Body of 51-year-old Bellingham man found along waterfront
The body of a 51-year-old Bellingham man was found in Bellingham Bay along the waterfront near the I&J Waterway.
Officers were called for a death investigation at 10:50 a.m. March 16 to the 1000 block of Hilton Avenue, Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald in an email, after a passerby reported seeing a body lying in the water near the shore.
The Bellingham Fire Department also responded to the call, located the man’s body, determined he was deceased, and no resuscitation efforts were attempted, Murphy reported.
The Whatcom County Medical Examiners Officer was called to the scene to be present during the investigation and the removal of the body from the water, according to Murphy.
Crime scene investigators noted footprints from shoes matching the ones the man was wearing on the beach and heading toward the water, according to Murphy, who added there were no signs of struggle or trauma on the man’s body.
The family of the man has been notified, Murphy reported. The Herald will not be printing his identity.
Resources
Lt. Claudia Murphy of the Bellingham Police Department recommends if people find themselves or a friend in crisis or emotional distress that they call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time at 800-273-TALK (8255). For more information about the Lifeline, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. To speak to a volunteer crisis counselor, contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741.
The Whatcom County Health Department lists several crisis hotlines on its website and also recommended additional local resources through:
▪ NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Whatcom: namiwhatcom.org.
▪ MAD HOPE (madhope.org): Teaching youth and trusted adults to recognize warning signs and connect teens with resources and support.
The Washington State Department of Health offers behavioral health support guidance for children, youth, and teens in crisis, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, on its website.
