A 61-year-old man was killed at the Island Hwy./NW Bay Rd. intersection early Friday, Jan. 3, with police investigating the cause and circumstances which led to the incident. (BC Highway Patrol)

By Alex Rawnsley

fatal crash

B.C. Highway Patrol seeks additional witnesses & video of fatal Nanoose Bay crash

Jan 8, 2025 | 12:44 PM

NANOOSE BAY — An investigation continues into an early morning collision which claimed the life of a 61-year-old Nanoose Bay man.

B.C. Highway Patrol say the man was hit by a vehicle and died of his injuries around 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3 at the intersection of the Island Hwy. and NW Bay Rd., near the Petro-Canada service station.

Multiple witnesses saw the crash and tried to help the man, as did the driver of the impacted vehicle, who stopped and is cooperating with police, according to Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.

“Once the collision happened, everybody in the area did exactly what they should of. The involved driver did stop and try to help, as did multiple witnesses. We have spoken with everybody involved so far, but of course we’re always looking for additional witnesses.”

Police are hoping to gather more evidence to further their investigation, including the actions of those involved prior to the incident in the highway’s southbound lanes.

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Crash reconstruction analysts and mechanical experts were brought in to assist the investigation.

Cpl. McLaughlin said an exact cause of the crash was still undetermined and it was “too early to assign blame”.

Investigators on scene following the incident discerned from witnesses that a green light was in place for vehicular traffic travelling on the highway at the time.

Mounties are not releasing any information on the driver of the vehicle involved, but noted there was no “immediate indication of impairment or overt criminality.

McLaughlin said drivers and pedestrians need to take equal responsibility when navigating roads this time of year.

“This was a collision that happened in our rough, wet, winter weather we’re getting. It happened early in the morning so it was fairly dark. We’re encouraging all drivers to slow down and if you are a pedestrian, please be as visible as possible and wearing bright, reflective clothing is a great start.”

Social media posts after the incident noted the victim was well-known in the community and was a regular walker in the area.

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