A motorcyclist lost his life in a crash at Nanaimo Lakes Rd. and South Forks Rd. on Tuesday, May 7.

By Spencer Sterritt

Sixth fatal crash

Motorcyclist dies in crash with minivan on Nanaimo Lakes Rd.

May 9, 2019 | 3:55 AM

NANAIMO — A family is traumatized after a crash on Nanaimo Lakes Rd. claimed the life of a motorcyclist.

Nanaimo RCMP confirmed the fatal crash happened around 6:20 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7 in the intersection of Nanaimo Lakes Rd. and South Forks Rd.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said the 55-year-old motorcyclist from Nanaimo appeared to lose control and crashed into the oncoming van driving on Nanaimo Lakes Rd., before they both ended up in the ditch.

“From the preliminary investigation of talking to witnesses and occupants of the minivan, speed was a factor on behalf of the motorcyclist,” RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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Witnesses and later paramedics provided first-aid to the motorcyclist at the scene but he was pronounced dead by the coroner.

A 59-year-old man, his wife and seven-year-old grandson were in the van. They received minor injuries but O’Brien said they’ll likely suffer long-standing effects from what they saw.

A full mechanical investigation was ordered for both the motorcycle and the minivan.

This is the second fatal motorcycle crash of 2019 and the sixth fatal motor vehicle crash of the year.

A motorcycle driver in his 40’s also lost his life after a crash with a minivan on Hammond Bay Rd. in fall, 2018.

“Hopefully we won’t see more this year, but we won’t be surprised if we do,” O’Brien said.

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