A 15-year-old youth from Lumby has died after a pickup truck allegedly drove into a gathering over the weekend.
Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the B.C. Emergency Health Services responded to a report of a pickup truck striking a pedestrian at a rural property near Lumby at about 11:50 p.m. Saturday, June 27.
Police said two pedestrians were struck after what they described as the dangerous actions of the pickup truck driver.
Despite immediate first aid provided by youth at the scene and the efforts of paramedics, the 15-year-old died at the scene.
A second youth who was also struck was taken to hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police said.
The driver fled the scene but was later located by police.
“There were numerous youth present at this gathering who, not only saw this tragic incident, but captured it on cellphone” Cpl.Tania Finn, Media Relations Officer with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said. “Investigators were able to identify, locate and arrest the driver that night.”
RCMP said a 16-year-old Vernon youth was arrested and later released pending a future court date.
The youth faces several potential Criminal Code charges related to the incident.
The B.C. Coroners Service attended the scene and is conducting an independent, concurrent fact-finding investigation into the death.
Police said the family of the deceased has been notified and is receiving grief support.
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP continue to investigate. Anyone with information who has not already spoken with police is asked to contact investigators.
