BC Highway Patrol are asking for the public’s help after a deadly motorcycle crash in Qualicum Beach.
The accident took the life of a passenger and left the rider seriously injured.The collision occurred at 7:31 p.m. on Saturday, September 13th.
A Harley Davidson with custom skull-and-smoke paint collided with a white, early-model Chevrolet S-10 pickup on Island Highway West near Mistaken Road.
The rider, a 44-year-old man from Cowichan Bay, was taken to the hospital with very serious injuries. His passenger, a 37-year-old woman from Port Alberni, died at the scene.
The driver of the pickup, a 54-year-old man from Qualicum Beach, was not hurt.
“The minutes and hours leading up to this collision could provide important evidence. If you saw the motorcycle rider or pickup driver’s behaviour, please talk to police,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol.
“We also encourage people against speculating about who or what caused this crash. Nothing has been ruled out.”
Investigators are urging anyone with dashcam footage or information about the crash to contact BC Highway Patrol – Parksville at 250-954-2953 and quote file number 2025-1877.
Second fatal crash in Nanaimo
The tragedy was the first of two fatal crashes on Vancouver Island over the weekend.
Just hours later, 25-year-old hockey player Orca Wiesblatt died in a single-vehicle crash in Nanaimo early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. on September 14th at the intersection of Bowen Road and Pryde Avenue. Police report that the driver of a northbound Ford F-150 lost control, left the road, and hit a light pole. He died at the scene.
A passenger, also a 25-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The BC Coroners Service has taken over the investigation. Police believe speed, alcohol, and road conditions may have been factors. The northbound lanes of Bowen Road were closed for several hours while an RCMP collision analyst examined the site.
Hockey community pays tribute
In an online statement, the ECHL said the community is “heartbroken” over Wiesblatt’s death.
“Orca was really looking forward to this next step in his hockey career. He wasn’t just skilled, he was a momentum changing hitter,” said Steve Martinson, head coach and general manager of the Allen Americans, Wiesblatt’s most recent team.
“I can still see his grin when he would return to the bench after one of his big hits. That is what we will miss the most, his infectious smile.”
Wiesblatt signed a contract with the Americans for the 2025-26 season after scoring 42 points in 37 games with the Federal Prospects Hockey League’s Athens Rock Lobsters. That team said he would be remembered for his energy, toughness, and infectious smile.
Before going pro, he played four seasons with the Calgary Hitmen, where he earned 104 points in 138 games. The Hitmen also expressed their condolences to Wiesblatt’s family and friends in a statement on Monday.
It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of former Calgary Hitmen Player Orca Wiesblatt.
We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and everyone that knew and loved him. On behalf of the ownership, management, coaches, players, and staff of Calgary Sports and… pic.twitter.com/gt87E0WH1H
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) September 15, 2025
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of former Calgary Hitmen player Orca Wiesblatt. We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and everyone that knew and loved him,” the statement reads. “On behalf of the ownership, management, coaches, players, and staff of Calgary Sports and Entertainment, we extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies during this very difficult time.”
Wiesblatt was born in Calgary, and his brothers Ocean, Oasiz and Ozzy also play professional hockey.
