Local woman dies after being struck by van outside of Bellingham early Friday morning
A fatal traffic collision is under investigation after a pedestrian died after being struck by a van outside of Bellingham in the early morning hours.
The incident occurred just after 3:30 a.m. Friday, May 10 at the intersection of Smith Road and Guide Meridian in Whatcom County, just north of Bellingham, according to a report from the Washington State Patrol.
The vehicle, a 2019 white Chevrolet Express van, was traveling south along the Guide when it struck the pedestrian, who was standing in the road. The vehicle came to rest on the shoulder and sustained reportable damage, according to WSP.
The pedestrian was reported deceased at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Michael Jager, 44, of Lynden, who first reported the incident.
WSP originally said the pedestrian is a 31-year-old female Seattle resident and that her name was being held pending notification of family. On Monday, May 13, the Whatcom County medical examiner told The Herald the victim is Reyna Cruz, 24. Her last known address was in Lynden though she may have been living in Bellingham at the time of her death.
Traffic was blocked in both directions on the Guide for several hours after the collision Friday morning with a detour in place using E Axton Road, Hannegan Road, and Kelly Road.
All lanes had reopened in both directions at Smith Road by mid-morning.
Editor’s note (May 13): This article was updated to include new information regarding the victim’s town of residence.
This story was originally published May 10, 2024 at 10:10 AM.
