RCMP allege this truck was operated by an impaired driver during a fatal incident on the afternoon of Thursday, July 31 near Fanny Bay on the Old Island Hwy. (BCHP)

By Ian Holmes

fatal incident

‘We are making good progress:’ RCMP ask for public help in fatal Fanny Bay collision

Aug 7, 2025 | 12:53 PM

FANNY BAY — Police hope the public can further advance their investigation into a fatal collision near Fanny Bay on the Old Island Highway last week.

BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) alleges the driver of a northbound black GMC Sierra Denali pickup towing an RV trailer hit multiple vehicles on Highway 19A, as well as fatally striking a bystander, on Thursday, July 31.

RCMP were called to the scene just after 4 p.m.

BCHP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said police are seeking eyewitnesses, dashcam or security footage of the area.

Police say this white Minilite trailer was towed by the GMC Sierra Denali during the fatal collision. (BCHP)

impact funds

'Our biggest fundraiser:' Nanaimo & Oceanside Coldest Night walks aiming for $250,000

1h ago

Dominating the Eagles

Clippers win big in Surrey

9h ago

changing rooms

New dressing room under construction at Oceanside Place

Feb 22, 2026

“Ultimately, a man who was killed was standing at the side of the road. What we’re looking for specifically is anyone who was at the scene in the immediate aftermath who might have spoken to the driver of that black GMC. You need to talk to us.”

In particular, Cpl. McLaughlin said southbound motorists on Highway 19A between Fanny Bay Wharf and Rosewall log sort may have valuable information for investigators.

The driver of the Denali was arrested on scene for impaired driving causing death.

Evidence is being collected to build the strongest possible case for BCHP in advance of charges recommended to Crown counsel and future legal proceedings.

Cpl. McLaughlin hopes the images released by BCHP resonate with people who may unknowingly have valuable evidence.

“We are making good progress, but with an impaired driving investigation it’s crucial to know all the details, not only in the immediate aftermath of the collision in terms what the suspect might have said or done, but also in the hours leading up to the collision — we need to know any suspicious driving or drinking behaviour of the suspect.”

Anybody with information regarding this case is urged to contact BC Highway Patrol’s Campbell River unit at: 1-250-286-5690 and quote file (7001) 2025-1582.

-with files from Jon De Roo, 97.3 FM The Eagle

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