NOTE: This story has been updated from its original.
Highway 97 was down to one lane alternating traffic two kilometres south of 108 Mile Ranch today, Jan. 24, for a smudging ceremony following a fatal collision the evening before, according to Staff Sgt. Svend Nielsen.
The ceremony was in relation to a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred yesterday evening at that location.
Nielsen says RCMP responded to a report of a woman walking southbound along Highway 97 just south of the 108 Mile Ranch entrance at the 106 Mile Gravel pit.
“As members were on patrol and just coming into that area, they came across vehicles parked alongside the highway. It was quickly discovered that a 24-year-old female had been struck by a vehicle travelling southbound,” according to Nielsen.
“Witness information at [the] scene [indicated] the female had been lying down on the edge of the highway for some unknown reason. At least two witnesses saw her and had stopped to assist. Prior to making contact with any witness, the female got up and wandered into the roadway where she was struck by a southbound vehicle.”
Several witnesses remained on the scene and provided CPR to the female, according to Nielsen.
“RCMP officers took over CPR until BC Ambulance arrived on scene, shortly after which the female was pronounced deceased. The driver remained on scene and was transported to 100 Mile Hospital shortly after RCMP arrived. The BC Coroner’s Service, CCTS members along with a crash analyst attended and took over the investigation. The highway was shut for several hours with a detour put in place by Dawson Maintenance.”
Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band) Kukpi7 (Chief) and Council Helen Henderson extended prayers.
“On behalf of Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band) we extend our prayers and strength to the family, Kukpi7 and Stswecemc/Xgat’tem (Canoe/Dog Creek) community in their time of grief and enormous loss. May the Creator continue to carry you through these difficult times.”
Chief Patrick Harry of the Stswecemc/Xgat’tem (Canoe/Dog Creek) says their priority is to support the family through the difficult circumstances and asks for respect and privacy for the family at this point.
“It’s definitely devastating. It’s devastating for our Nation every time we lose a member,” he says. “She was a young lady with a bright future and we want to be there for her parents and her children as much as possible. I know that’s happening right now.”
He thanks the RCMP and Dawson for their assistance to help the family do a smudging ceremony.
100 Mile House RCMP offers condolences to the community for their loss. 100 Mile House RCMP appreciates the cooperation of all motorists during this event. 100 Mile House RCMP Victim Services continues to support those involved.
Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Traffic Services (100 Mile) has conduct of the investigation and anyone with information about this crash can call 250-395-2456 and quote file 2020-258.
