A 15-year-old Squamish boy died less than a day after he was struck by a vehicle near a busy intersection on Highway 99 on the weekend.
Dean McCall was hit by a taxi near Mamquam Road on Saturday (April 21) at around 11:35 p.m., said Squamish RCMP Sgt. Wayne Pride. He suffered severe head injuries from the crash and was rushed to Squamish General Hospital before being airlifted to BC's Children's Hospital. McCall passed away as a result of his injuries on Sunday (April 22) at 2:30 p.m.
The investigation is ongoing, Pride said. The 49-year-old taxi driver from Squamish remained at the scene and is cooperating with police, police said in a statement issued Tuesday (April 24). Speed, distracted driving or alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash, RCMP reported. The news has rocked the community, Pride said. An RCMP school liaison is set to offer grief counselling at schools.
The family is devastated, he said.
Though McCall's family is grieving, they want to reach out to other young people, stated Sgt. Peter Thiessen, spokesperson for the Lower Mainland District RCMP.
Dean's family wants youth and their parents to understand just how dangerous it is to ride along the highway at night, Thiessen wrote. Using reflective gear, lights and a helmet and making sure to be aware of your surroundings, is essential to staying safe.
Squamish RCMP noted that the town has a large biking community, with few serious incidents such as this. A bike lane does exist along Highway 99, ensuring safer travel for bicyclists.
For updates on this developing story, please check back at www.squamishchief.com.
