Just before 6 PM on Tuesday October 27,  Police, Fire and BCEHS responded to a collision involving a dirt bike and a passenger vehicle. The collision occurred in 2200-block of Extension Road. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts by BC Emergency Health Services personnel, the 17-year-old rider of the dirt bike was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, who was the sole occupant, remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators. Alcohol and drugs have been ruled out as contributing factors, and investigators have determined there are no indications of criminality on the part of the driver.

Statements from witnesses, along with dash camera video were obtained.

Collision reconstruction specialists, the Nanaimo RCMP General Investigation Section, other RCMP officers, and the BC Coroners Service 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 the 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. We ask the public to respect the family's privacy as they grieve."