WSP Map of the incident
BELLINGHAM — A fatal head-on crash along State Route 542 near Maple Falls late Saturday morning left a Ferndale man dead and another driver hospitalized, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The collision happened around 10:37 a.m. near the 5800 block of SR 542, also known as the Mount Baker Highway, east of Deming and west of Maple Falls. Troopers say two vehicles were involved in the crash, which temporarily blocked the roadway while emergency crews responded and investigators worked at the scene.
According to the Washington State Patrol in information emailed to Bellingham Metro News, 62-year-old Allen W. York of Ferndale was driving westbound on SR 542 when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound vehicle. Both vehicles reportedly came to rest perpendicular to the roadway, fully blocking traffic.
York was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said next of kin notifications had been completed. The second driver, a 27-year-old Maple Falls man, was injured and transported to St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. Bellingham Metro News is not currently identifying the injured driver for several reasons and no criminal allegations have been announced in connection with the collision.
Bellingham Metro News was not planning to release the identity of the deceased, but Washington State Patrol has publicly released the identity already—and the information has already been reported by other reputable outlets such as Cascadia Daily News.
Investigators stated both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Troopers also reported that drugs or alcohol are not currently believed to have been contributing factors, though the cause of the collision remains under investigation.
The Washington State Patrol identified the vehicles involved as a 2009 Mazda 3 sedan and a 1992 Toyota 4Runner. Both vehicles were reported totaled and removed from the scene by towing companies.
State Route 542 serves as one of the primary routes connecting eastern Whatcom County communities to the Mount Baker region and often sees steady recreational and local traffic throughout the year.
Bellingham Metro News will continue monitoring the investigation and provide updates if additional information becomes available through investigators or the Washington State Patrol.
This is a developing story
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