1 man dead after being hit by a passenger train in Bellingham
A man who stepped in the direct path of a northbound passenger train was struck and found dead near Boulevard Park in Bellingham Thursday morning.
According to Bellingham police, officers were called onto the scene at about 10:51 a.m. for a train/pedestrian collision on the train tracks. The train was stopped when police began their investigation.
The male, in his 20s or 30s, appeared on the railroad as the train approached. He stepped away and then stepped back in the direct path of the train. The train conductor was not able to avoid striking the pedestrian who died at the scene, according to Bellingham Police Department Lt. Claudia Murphy.
Amtrak tweeted at 11:15 a.m. Thursday that a train was stopped north of Bellingham “due to a trespasser incident.” Then at 12:55 p.m. they reported that the train was moving and operating again.
This is the third train death in Bellingham since May.
The identity of the male is not being released until next of kin is notified, Murphy said.
An examination of the deceased man was conducted Friday morning.
If you need help
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.
