(UPDATE: Oct. 23 @ 2:30 pm) - For the first time since late Saturday night, the RCMP has provided an update into the two related incidents that took place over the weekend, which resulted in the death of a teenager.
On Oct. 21, at approximately 4 pm, Kelowna RCMP responded to a bear spraying incident in the Rutland area.
“Officers determined that a bear spray incident occurred involving a group of teens which resulted in a number of people being bear sprayed,” said Cpl. Michael Gauthier.
While at the first incident, police were made aware that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Houghton and Franklyn roads.
The pedestrian, now identified as 15-year-old Tristan Seeger, was taken to Kelowna General Hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries.
Police believe that Seeger was associated with the nearby prior bear spray incident.
“This is a very sensitive investigation and it is essential that we conduct it methodically and thoroughly to get it right,” added Cpl. Michael Gauthier.
“The Kelowna RCMP offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the victim.”
Seeger's death is now being investigated as a homicide and the Serious Crime Unit is currently interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.
Police will not be commenting any further as they do not want to jeopardize the investigation.
As of now, no arrests have been made with the investigation still in its early stages.
Anyone with video or information about the two incidents is asked to reach out to the Kelowna RCMP.
(Original story: Oct. 23 @ 10 am) - Numerous people gathered at Ben Lee Park Sunday evening in memory of 15-year-old Tristan Seeger.
Friends and family embraced one another, leaving behind toys, teddy bears and flowers on a bench in memory of the teenager.
Seeger’s mom, Paule Seeger, has confirmed with KelownaNow that he was the person who was sent to the hospital Saturday night after being involved in a vehicle incident.
Attendees of the vigil then gathered for a group photo behind the bench with Seeger’s mom saying “we’re gonna show this person that Tristan Seeger is not dead.”
On Saturday evening, the Kelowna RCMP responded to two related incidents in the Rutland area.
The second incident involved Seeger and a vehicle, sending the teen to the hospital with serious injuries, which he eventually succumbed to.
The intersection of Houghton and Franklyn roads was then closed for investigation before eventually reopening.
As many rumours swirl about Saturday’s events, the RCMP has not updated the situation since an initial news release was sent out late Saturday night.
“The investigation is still unfolding but at this time, investigators from the Criminal Collision Investigation Team (CCIT) and the Kelowna general investigation section have taken conduct of the files,” said Sgt. Judith Bertrand in the initial RCMP release from Oct. 21.
The RCMP is asking if anyone has information about the two incidents to call (250) 762-3300 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
