Man killed by allegedly impaired driver on BC highway was standing at side of road: police

The BC Highway Patrol has released more information about a fatal multi-vehicle crash on Vancouver Island last week.

The extra information comes with another appeal for witnesses, as investigators try to fill in “crucial details” about the minutes and hours before the collision.

Previously, police said the crash on Hwy 19A near Fanny Bay involved multiple vehicles and two of them were towing trailers.

They said a man was “badly injured” and later succumbed to those injuries, while another man was arrested for impaired driving.

In a follow-up release today, the BCHP clarified that the victim who lost their life was not in one of the involved vehicles.

“A black 2015 GMC Sierra Denali pickup that was towing a white Minilite RV collided with multiple vehicles and killed a man who was standing at the side of the road,” the release explained.

“The driver of the black GMC Sierra was arrested for impaired driving causing death.”

Along with the initial appeal for witnesses, police also asked the public for dash cam or security footage from Hwy 19A between Fanny Bay Wharf and the Rosewall log sort between 3:30-4:15 pm on Thursday, July 31.

Now, that appeal has been extended as investigators try to piece together the puzzle of this tragic incident.

“Anyone who was at (the) scene in the immediate aftermath of the collision may have vital information for police,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin.

“If you interacted with the driver of a black GMC Sierra Denali pickup with a black canopy, or you saw that driver doing anything concerning in the hours leading up to the fatal crash, you need to speak to police.”

The driver of the GMC Sierra Denali pickup, alleged to be impaired, has been released from custody as the probe into the crash continues.

The BCHP urges anyone with information to contact the Campbell River branch by calling 250-286-5690 and quote file 2025-1582.