David Battles Fatally Struck in Fairhaven Train Accident

On August 6, 2025, at approximately 10:33 p.m., David Battles, a 61-year-old resident of Bellingham, Washington, was fatally struck by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight train in the 200 block of Harris Avenue, Fairhaven. The incident occurred near the Harris Avenue crossing, where the northbound train collided with Battles, resulting in multiple blunt force injuries, as confirmed by the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office. Battles was pronounced deceased at the scene.The Bellingham Police Department and BNSF are conducting a joint investigation into the collision. No additional details regarding the circumstances or contributing factors have been released as of August 13, 2025.