Highway 9 Fatal Accident

Whatcom County: October 7th, 2014. 5:46am. The Washington State Patrol responded to a two vehicle, fatality accident on Highway 9 Southbound near milepost 76.  According to the Washington State Patrol Press Memo, 23 year old Dane Johnson of Lyman, who was not injured, was northbound Highway 9 in a white 2006 Ford F350 Pickup when he crossed the center line and struck a silver 2000 Toyota Tundra pickup driven by 56 year old Ricky Hamilton of Glacier, WA.  Mr. Hamilton was pronounced  dead  at the scene. His passenger, 50 year old Robert Demme of Maple Falls was also found deceased at the scene.  A passenger in the 2006 Ford F350, Derek Schuyler, 28 of Sedro Woolley was not injured. Both vehicles were impounded to the Bellingham Washington State Patrol bullpen. The cause of the accident is under investigation, although initial reports show the causing driver swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid striking a deer in the roadway. There was thick fog in the area at the time of the accident. The State Patrol says possible charges are under investigation.