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Shawnigan Lake, B.C. – A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken Vancouver Island after a 12-year-old boy was struck and killed by a car while rollerblading with his family on August 25.
According to Shawnigan Lake RCMP, the collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. in the 4100 block of Hillbank Road, a rural stretch of roadway between Shawnigan Lake and Duncan. Police confirmed that the youth, whose name has not been publicly released, died at the scene.
Investigators say the boy had been rollerblading alongside family members when a northbound Honda Civic lost control. The vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old, struck the child before careening into a telephone pole. Both the teenage driver and a 17-year-old passenger were transported to hospital with minor injuries.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alex Bérubé said early evidence indicates that speed was a contributing factor.
“While we do not suspect that alcohol was involved, it has been determined that speed played an important factor in this tragic incident,” Bérubé explained. “The investigation remains in its early stages and police continue to gather evidence.”
The news has left the Shawnigan Lake and Duncan communities reeling, with many residents expressing grief and outrage over the sudden loss of a young life. In response, family friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the boy’s relatives during this devastating time. The fundraiser aims to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance as the family navigates their loss.
Local residents have also begun placing flowers and tributes near the crash site, calling for increased road safety measures on Hillbank Road.
As police continue their investigation, RCMP are urging witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
This tragedy underscores ongoing concerns around youth drivers and road safety in residential and semi-rural communities across British Columbia.
