March train collision in Bellingham ruled a suicide
An 18-year-old Bellingham man was on foot when he was struck by a BNSF train just south of Boulevard Park Wednesday, March 29, in what was recorded as a suicide, Dr. Deborah Hollis, the Whatcom County Medical Examiner, told The Bellingham Herald in a telephone interview Thursday, April 6.
The incident shut down rail service through Bellingham and closed several rail crossings south to Fairhaven at 12:40 p.m. on March 29.
No injuries to the crew were reported, Lena Kent, BNSF general director of public affairs, said at the time.
There were 26 train-related fatalities in Washington state in 2022, according to the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission, including an Amtrak passenger train striking a pedestrian Nov. 13 in Bellingham, according to earlier Herald reporting.
There were 31 train-related fatalities in the state in 2021, including two in Bellingham, with BNSF freight trains striking pedestrians Jan. 26 and Sept. 26.
There have now been 12 train fatalities in Whatcom County since 2011.
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.
