Sumas Man Dies in Crash, Community Mobilizes for His Children

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A 48-year-old Sumas man died Friday night after a medical episode caused a crash on State Route 547 in Whatcom County, according to the Washington State Patrol.

According to the WSP report, Sebastian Gomez drove a 2006 Ford Expedition northbound on SR 547 near milepost 8 around 10:58 p.m. Sept. 18 when the SUV left the roadway to the right and struck a tree. The vehicle came to rest off the roadway and did not block traffic.

This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.

Gomez, whom friends and family knew as “SeaBass,” died at the scene.

WSP determined that a medical episode caused the crash and that drugs or alcohol did not contribute to the collision.

WSP said Gomez did not wear a seat belt.

Sumas Community Mourns Local Father

Gomez was a father of three, according to a community post from Loca Mocha in Sumas.

“Making this unimaginable loss even harder, these three young kids lost their mother just five months ago in the spring. In less than half a year, they have been left without both parents.”

Loca Mocha, Community Post

The Sumas community has begun organizing support for the children as the family deals with the loss.

Loca Mocha said organizers are working to establish a beneficiary account at People’s Bank dedicated to the children’s needs and future. Organizers also are coordinating assistance with immediate needs, including clothing, bedding and household items.

Sumas Community Church will coordinate physical donations. Organizers said they will release details about needed items, sizes and drop-off times once they finalize the list.

Fundraiser Planned For October

Loca Mocha plans to hold a fundraiser Oct. 10 and 11.

During the weekend, 100% of the proceeds from sales of Gomez’s favorite Lotus drink will go toward the children’s account at People’s Bank, according to Loca Mocha.

“This family is a part of our community, and these children are part of our Sumas family. Right now, they need us. As a small town, our greatest strength is how we wrap our arms around our own when tragedy strikes — and it is time for us to step up and show these kids the full love, care, and support of Sumas.”

Loca Mocha, Community Post

Organizers will share more information about the beneficiary account and other ways to help as those arrangements become available.

The Washington State Patrol investigation lists the incident as a fatal traffic collision involving one vehicle.

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