Michael Allison Rennie, 61, died at Nanaimo hospital on Wednesday, April 23 while in police custody, according Crown counsel. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

died in custody

Case dismissed as alleged fatal wrong-way Nanaimo driver dies

Apr 29, 2025 | 2:01 PM

NANAIMO — A judge officially absolved criminal proceedings against an accused driver charged in connection with a high-profile Nanaimo crash.

On Tuesday, April, 29 judge Karen Whonnock approved an abatement application following the death last week of Michael Allison Rennie, 61.

He was charged in relation to a high-impact collision involving opposing vehicles on the Nanaimo Parkway on July 19, 2023, resulting in the death of 24-year-old Reid Davidson.

Crown counsel’s Suzanne Cassell informed the court Rennie was pronounced dead at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on Wednesday, April 23 while in police custody.

No cause of death was revealed, nor was any information revealed regarding what led Rennie to be admitted to the hospital.

Highly disturbing

Man attacked by armed 13 and 14-year-old boys in downtown Nanaimo

54m ago

Stuck in Mexico

'We're feeling more secure today' Nanaimo tourists stranded in Puerto Vallarta

10m ago

substantial bust

Drugs, weapons seized as Nanaimo pair face nearly 40 criminal charges

3h ago

Rennie was in custody awaiting trial on charges of criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving and failing to stop at an accident scene.

Davidson was a beloved member of the Nanaimo soccer community, having served an administrative role with the Nanaimo United organization.

Nanaimo Mounties alleged Rennie was driving south in the northbound lanes north of the Cedar Overpass when his van hit the car operated by Davidson.

According to Nanaimo RCMP, an injured Rennie attempted to run away from the scene, however, he was tracked down with the help of Police Dog Services.

The accused was charged about 11 months following the incident.

Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook

24-year-old Reid Davidson died of his injuries in hospital a few days after his car was hit by a Dodge Caravan travelling in the wrong direction on the Nanaimo Parkway on July 19, 2023. (Harbourside FC)

Follow us on Facebook. Join Everything Nanaimo on Facebook and stay connected with everything happening on central Vancouver Island.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook