A memorial service for a 16-year-old Comox Valley longboarder who succumbed to his injuries after he was struck by a vehicle last Thursday is planned for Saturday at the Comox Recreation Centre.
Ciaran Martin, a Grade 11 student at G.P. Vanier School, was hit by a vehicle Jan. 2 around 5:30 p.m. when he and a friend were travelling northbound on Macaulay Road in Black Creek.
Comox Valley RCMP note Martin was on a longboard while his friend was on a bicycle, and the vehicle was also travelling northbound.
Martin was taken to St. Joseph’s General Hospital but was airlifted to Victoria General Hospital, where he passed away Sunday evening.
Police add the investigation is continuing, but conditions at the time were wet and neither teen had a light.
“It’s hard to believe you’re gone, but you’re not really gone, you’ll always be in my thoughts and in my heart. I will never forget you,” wrote one commenter on a Facebook page for friends and family dedicated to Martin.
“R.I.P Ciaran you were a wonderful guy. You were always smiling and playing music in the hallway. We will never forget you,” wrote another commenter.
A small memorial of flowers, rocks and signs has been created at a roadside memorial.
A celebration of life for Martin is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the Vanier School Choir scheduled to sing in his honour.
Friends of Martin are also planning a Comox Valley-wide cruise for the teen, and are inviting anyone with longboards, bikes, scooters or any non-motorized transportation to show support on Feb. 22.
For more details on the Cruise for Ciaran, visit www.facebook.com/cruseforciaran.
