Speed and alcohol were factors in a crash that claimed the life of a motorcyclist over the Labour Day weekend.
The 34-year-old Nanaimo man died after his motorcycle crashed into a Jeep at the Stewart Avenue and Townsite Road intersection.
The crash happened at about 9:25 p.m. Sunday when a Jeep, driven by a 61-year-old man, also from Nanaimo, was turning left from Townsite Road to go northbound on Stewart Avenue and into the path of the northbound Yamaha motorcycle.
“The motorcyclist suffered significant critical injuries at the scene and was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. “That investigation determined speed certainly was a factor in the collision and the driver of the Jeep is being investigated for impaired driving. Alcohol was a factor.”
The driver of the Jeep was given an immediate 90-day roadside driving prohibition. The investigation is continuing and police are considering recommending more charges against the driver, O’Brien said.
The motorcyclist was originally from Penticton where his family has been notified of his death. He was an experienced rider, but the bike was purchased recently.
