A suspect who was arrested after a serious boat crash that left an 11-year-old boy dead in North Vancouver has been released from custody.
First responders rushed to Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen in North Vancouver on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
BC Emergency Health Services responded with eight units, including three primary care paramedics, two advanced care paramedics, a supervisor, the infant care team and a helicopter.
The serious collision involved a speed boat and two children on an inflatable tube being towed by another boat.
The speed boat was travelling off the waters of Cates Park and allegedly struck the two children on the inflatable tube.
North Vancouver RCMP confirmed on June 8 that an 11-year-old child died. North Shore News has confirmed the deceased is from Vancouver.
A second child was airlifted to the hospital and as of June 9, the child is still in critical condition. Police did not release the age of this child.
The driver of the speed boat that struck the inflatable tube was arrested on June 7 after the incident.
“Alcohol and speed may have been a factor in the collision, and as the investigation continues, officers will work to uncover all available evidence pointing to the cause of this collision,” said North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mansoor Sahak Sunday.
On Monday morning, police confirmed the individual — a North Vancouver resident — had been released from custody with conditions and an Aug. 27 court date. Police would not share what the conditions are.
"We're bound by laws to release people if they do not pose a significant threat to public safety... [and] they're not a flight risk," Sahak told the North Shore News Monday.
The investigation is still ongoing.
North Vancouver RCMP victim services is engaged and providing support to the family. Anyone affected by this tragic incident and wishing to contact victim services can do so by calling 604-969-7540.
'Deeply saddened'
In a statement, the Vancouver School Board said it's "deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place over the weekend."
A VSB spokesperson said additional supports and resources have been made available for students and staff.
"Staff will continue to be extra diligent in monitoring students' emotional well-being during this difficult time, and we will continue to support those within the school community as we grieve this loss," the statement said, noting further information isn't being released out of respect for the family.
The injured child in hospital is not a VSB student, the spokesperson said. North Shore News has learned the child goes to school in Surrey.
'A sad day'
This is the second tragedy on the North Shore in a span of two weeks.
A four-year-old boy was killed after a collision with a TransLink bus near the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver on May 28. The boy's mother was transported to Lions Gate Hospital in critical condition and a second woman, believed to be a family friend, was taken to the same hospital in stable condition. The boy has since been identified as Leonard Machado.
"It's obviously very traumatic to go through these [events], especially for the first responders who responded to the scene, who witnessed the tragedies there firsthand, and they have to go home and deal with these tragedies with their own families," Sahak told North Shore News.
"It is difficult. It's a sombre and it's a sad day."
