Bella Coola is mourning the loss of a young man killed in a tragic accident on Sunday, November 11.
At approximately 3:30pm on November 11, Cariboo Chilcotin Traffic Services attended the scene of a single vehicle accident involving a 2010 white Dodge pickup truck on Dog Creek Road, just off Highway 20. The vehicle, carrying five passengers, had rolled off the road.
Four passengers were transported to Cariboo Memorial Hospital, where one man was pronounced deceased upon arrival. The BC Coroner’s Service has now officially released the name, identifying him as 21-year old Landen Siwallace of Bella Coola. Landen was very well known in Bella Coola and his death has come as a blow to both his family and the community.
Landen was one of five occupants of the truck, which the RCMP stated had been used for an off-road expedition. It was travelling northbound on Dog Creek Road when it went out of control and rolled over several times.
Sgt. Robert (Bob) Verbree, Regional Commander of the Cariboo Chilcotin Traffic Services was not able to provide many details of the accident as the investigation is ongoing, but he did say that alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash.
“We are looking into both speed and alcohol as contributing factors in the accident,” confirmed Sgt. Verbree. “The driver is still in hospital in serious but stable condition, and there are charges being considered against him.”
According to Sgt. Verbree, the young driver did have a valid license. Another passenger is also still in hospital in serious but stable condition.
The Coast Mountain News will continue to publish details as they become available.
