17-year-old dies after dirt bike collides with vehicle in Nanaimo

A 17-year-old has died following a collision involving a dirt bike and a passenger vehicle in Nanaimo on Tuesday evening.

According to Nanaimo RCMP, emergency crews responded to the crash just before 6 p.m. on October 27th in the 2200 block of Extension Road.

Police, firefighters and BC Emergency Health Services attended the scene.

Despite extensive lifesaving efforts by paramedics, the teenage dirt bike rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the passenger vehicle, who was the sole occupant, remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators.

RCMP say alcohol and drugs have been ruled out as contributing factors, and there are no indications of criminality on the part of the driver.

Investigators obtained witness statements and dashcam footage as part of their investigation.

Collision reconstruction specialists, the Nanaimo RCMP General Investigation Section and the BC Coroners Service also attended the scene.

“Any loss of life on our roads is tragic, but the death of a young person is particularly heartbreaking,” said inspector Donovan Tait, operations officer for Nanaimo RCMP.

“Our thoughts are with the youth’s family, the driver involved, and everyone affected by this devastating event. We would also like to acknowledge the witnesses and first responders who did everything they could to assist.”

Tait also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.