Bellingham man dies after being hit by Marysville ambulance

MARYSVILLE — A pedestrian died Saturday after being hit by a Marysville Fire District ambulance on the bridge over Steamboat Slough.

Wayne D. St. John, a 55-year-old Bellingham man, was struck in the northbound lane of Highway 529 shortly before 2 a.m. The ambulance was returning from an Everett hospital. Witnesses said the man was walking in the southbound inside lane of the highway and wearing dark clothing.

“The Marysville Fire District is devastated over the incident this morning involving one of our aid cars,” a fire district statement says. “Our hearts go out to the man’s loved ones.” 

The firefighters involved were placed on administrative leave. The two firefighters also are receiving assistance from the district’s Peer Support Team.

The Marysville Police Department is investigating the crash. Witnesses are asked to contact Marysville police at 360-363-8300.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that St. John died of multiple blunt force injuries at the scene.