BELLINGHAM, WA – A fatal traffic collision involving a construction vehicle claimed the life of a 42-year-old construction worker early Tuesday morning, January 28, 2025, in Whatcom County.
According to information emailed from Washington State Patrol (WSP) to Bellingham Metro News, the incident occurred at approximately 9:09 a.m. in a construction zone near East Smith Road and Noon Road.
Incident Details
The WSP reported that a red 2019 Western Star commercial vehicle (Note: This is the make of the vehice, not a company) was backing down the right shoulder of eastbound Smith Road. At the same time, a construction worker, identified as Brandon W. Gipson, 42, of Ferndale, WA, was walking westbound on the same shoulder. Tragically, the vehicle struck Gipson, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the construction vehicle, identified as 64-year-old man, of Bellingham, WA, was not injured in the incident. Authorities confirmed that the man was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Investigation Ongoing
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. WSP confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol were factors in the incident.
Next of kin for Brandon Gipson were notified by WSP Trooper Benjamin P. Johnson, the primary unit on the case, and a Whatcom County Support Officer. The incident has been assigned case number 25-001917.
WSP and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Contact
For more information, please contact the Washington State Patrol at their Whatcom County office.
This is a Bellingham Metro News Developing Story and information is subject to change.
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