Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4:52 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2024 to reflect new information.

FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Blaine man was killed in a suspected DUI accident that snarled highway traffic in Ferndale for hours this morning (Friday).

WSP says a car entered I-5 SB at Portal Way around 2:40 am when the driver lost control and struck a barrier before coming to rest in the left lane.

A motorcycle heading southbound couldn’t stop in time and struck the car.

The motorcycle rider, identified as 47-year-old Evan Hayes of Blaine, was wearing a helmet, but had to be transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he passed away.

The driver of the car and two passengers were transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and two of them were later arrested.

The driver, identified as a 20-year-old man from Bellingham, was booked into Whatcom County Jail on a vehicular homicide charge.

One passenger, a 20-year-old Ferndale man, was also booked into the jail on outstanding warrants for driving with a suspended license, negligent driving and a domestic violence protection order.

An investigation into the accident blocked both southbound lanes until they reopened at around 8 am.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but WSP says drugs or alcohol were involved.