An 11-year-old child is dead and an 18-year-old is in critical condition after a crash at an intersection Thursday evening, Oct. 31 in Everson.
First responders received a report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of South Pass Road and Goodwin Road around 5:50 p.m., said Deb Slater, the public information officer for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. An on-duty sheriff deputy was already on scene and witnessed the high-speed T-bone collision.
Whatcom County Fire District 1 was able to respond to the crash in six minutes since they were attending the Everson Park Halloween event, said Rachel Carlson, the WCFD1 chief.
A Ford Fusion with four passengers was attempting to turn left onto Goodwin Road from South Pass Road when it was struck by an eastbound BMW, Slater said. The 18-year-old was ejected upon impact and was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in critical condition. Two other passengers were also injured and taken to the hospital.
The child was pronounced dead at the scene, Slater said.
“My heartfelt condolences to all the families affected by this tragedy,” Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said. “I am truly proud of the work and dedication of multiple first responder agencies during this difficult time.”
“This loss of life is heart-rending, no child should die this way,” Slater said. “We ache for those who experienced this crash and for their loved ones. We hope for their healing.”
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, but because of damage to the Ford Focus, it’s unclear who else was wearing a seatbelt, Slater said.
The driver of the eastbound car, a 30-year-old man from Sedro Woolley, was booked into the Whatcom County Jail around 11 p.m. after being treated and released from the hospital, Slater said. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision and witnesses reported the vehicle was traveling above the posted speed limit.
Law enforcement established probable cause of one count vehicular homicide under the influence and three counts of vehicular assault.
During the suspect’s preliminary appearance Friday, his bail was set at $1 million and if released, he was ordered not to drive or consume drugs or alcohol.
The suspect is set to be in court again Nov. 8th for arraignment on formal charges.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
