A tragic head-on collision on Highway 18 claimed the life of 18-year-old Daniel Ranns from Metchosin on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 2:22 p.m. on November 3rd, when a compact pickup truck driven by Ranns, who recently graduated from Royal Bay Secondary School in Colwood, was travelling westbound and drifted into the eastbound lane.
The vehicle collided with a one-tonne pickup truck moving eastbound.
Witnesses reported that after the collision, the compact pickup ended up in a roadside ditch, where Ranns was trapped. Emergency crews worked to extricate him, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts from first responders.
The driver of the one-tonne pickup was transported to hospital with minor injuries and was the only other person involved in the crash.
In the aftermath of the collision, all traffic on Highway 18 was temporarily shut down to allow emergency crews to operate safely, the highway has since reopened.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are still investigating the cause of the crash and are seeking any witnesses.
Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with the driver of a white truck who was seen braking and swerving toward the ditch to avoid the collision.
Police also urge anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward by contacting North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
A GoFundMe has been launched to aid the and described Ranns a dedicated lacrosse player, an outdoor enthusiast, beloved in his community, and his sudden passing has left many in shock.
As of this publication, $29,750 has been raised toward the $35,000 GoFundMe goal.
