A logging road on South Forks Rd. near where an ATV rider tragically lost his life. (Google Earth)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

23-year-old loses life after early-morning ATV accident south of Nanaimo

May 22, 2019 | 7:16 AM

NANAIMO — A 23-year-old man has passed away after losing control of his ATV while enjoying an early-morning ride with friends.

Nanaimo RCMP said the accident happened around 2 a.m. on Sunday, May 19 near the intersection of Nanaimo Lakes Rd. and South Forks Rd. It’s believed the 23-year-old rider rounded the corner of a logging road and was thrown from the vehicle into nearby bushes.

His two friends also out for a ride managed to transport the rider back to a nearby road and called 911.

RCMP Gary O’Brien said the driver suffered life-threatening injuries in the accident and was taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital before being airlifted to Vancouver.

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The rider unfortunately succumbed to his his injuries around 7 a.m. on Sunday.

“It’s a very dangerous sport and the danger factor increases exponentially when it’s later at night,” O’Brien said.

He said the two friends of the rider were fortunate about where the accident happened, since there are numerous areas of limited or non-existent cellphone coverage in the area.

Police are now investigating numerous factors involved in the crash, such as speed, terrain and the condition of the ATV.

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