WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A serious collision that closed down Smith Road and Noon Road has now been deemed fatal.

Washington State Patrol (WSP) said in a press memo that a construction vehicle was backing down the right shoulder of eastbound Smith Road in a construction zone and struck a construction worker walking westbound on the same shoulder.

The worker, identified as 42-year-old Brandon Gipson of Ferndale, was walking on the shoulder through the construction zone when he was hit by the vehicle.

Gipson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The vehicle’s driver, identified as a 64-year-old Bellingham man, wasn’t hurt.

Whatcom County Public Works said area roads were closed for the hours following the incident.

The roads have since reopened in the area of the incident.

My Bellingham Now will continue to update this story as more information is released. Last updated: Jan. 30, 2025 at 12:14 p.m.