Dale Alderman Jr Arrested in Fatal Crash on W Axton Road

Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash at Ferndale Intersection

Ferndale, WA (May 15, 2025) — On Thursday morning, a deadly two-vehicle crash on W Axton Road led to the arrest of Dale Alderman Jr.

According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews responded to the scene around 5:40 a.m. near the intersection with Northwest Drive after reports of a serious collision with injuries.

Investigators later discovered that one driver had fled the area on foot, while the other remained trapped inside a heavily damaged vehicle. Rescue crews worked to free the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies later located the fleeing driver, identified as 28-year-old Dale Richard Alderman Jr. Authorities observed cuts, bruising, and blood on Alderman consistent with being involved in the crash.

Witnesses told investigators that Alderman had been speeding north on Northwest Drive and failed to stop at the four-way intersection before crashing into the second vehicle. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses reportedly confirmed the witness accounts.

During the investigation, officers also learned the vehicle Alderman had been driving had been reported stolen from a residence on W Bakerview Road. Security video allegedly showed him taking the vehicle before the crash.

Authorities arrested Alderman on suspicion of DUI, vehicular homicide, possession of a stolen vehicle, and second-degree driving with a revoked license. He was booked into the Whatcom County Jail later that morning.

Road closures around the intersection remained in place for several hours before reopening Thursday evening.

Sweet Lawyers extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who lost their life in this tragic crash. We hope they find comfort and support during this difficult time.

You’re Not Alone in This

it’s scary to think about how quickly life can change. Traffic accidents can happen anytime — on the way to work, picking up the kids, even just running to the store. According to the NHTSA, speeding alone caused nearly 12,000 deaths in 2023. That’s thousands of families who never got to say goodbye.

We don’t think about it much, but every time we get on the road, there’s a risk. And when something tragic happens, when someone you love doesn’t make it home, it’s completely devastating.

Losing someone you love in a sudden accident changes everything. One moment life feels normal, and the next, you’re left trying to make sense of something that feels impossible. The heartbreak, the shock, the questions. It is a ride on a roller coaster of emotions and doubt. And on top of the emotional pain, comes unexpected burdens: hospital bills, funeral costs, and the loss of the love and support your family depended on.

You feel shattered. You hope everything is just a dream and gone when you wake up.

If you’re in this situation, please know you don’t have to go through it alone. There are options, and there are people who want to help. Find justice, and make sure your family is cared for.

Filing a wrongful death claim is a great step that you can take in this case. Keep in mind that it isn’t about putting a price on your departed loved one’s life, it’s more of finding justice for your loved one and easing some of the financial strain that came following the devastating accident.

A wrongful death claim can help cover:

Funeral and burial expenses
Medical costs from your loved one’s final care
Lost income and future financial support
The emotional pain and loss of companionship your family is facing

It’s also a way to hold the responsible party accountable, especially when a negligent driver caused the collision. It is important to know that taking this step can make a huge difference, not just for your family, but also to help prevent other families from going through the same heartbreak.

No legal process can ever fill the space your loved one left behind, but finding justice can bring a sense of peace and closure. It’s one way to honor their life and memory.

Contact Sweet Lawyers @ (800) 674-7852 if you’ve lost a loved one in an accident. Our wrongful death attorneys have spent decades helping families find answers, justice, and financial support when they needed it most.