North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are continuing to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Chemainus man on Sunday evening, Sept. 23.
It was just two days after Cowichan resident Jeff Lundstrom died in an accident in the same area.
According to Sgt. Janelle Shoihet, an RCMP spokesperson, the Sunday crash happened just before 6:45 p.m.
“Officers from the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP were called to the 7000-block of Hillcrest Road for a report that a Jeep had rolled off the roadway. When officers arrived they located the Jeep on its side and an 18-year-old man from Chemanius, deceased.
“Early investigation leads police to believe that the driver, an 18-year-old female from Mill Bay, was en route down the hillside to get help for her friend’s Jeep that was stuck further up the roadway. The driver lost control and subsequently flipped.”
The driver and two other passengers were transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to police.
Meanwhile, family and friends are mourning the death of Jeff Lundstrom, who died two days earlier in roughly the same area, an accessible region popular with off-roaders.
Andy Watson, from the BC Coroners Service said his office was notified on Friday, Sept. 21, of Lundstrom’s death.
“We are early in our investigation of that one, too. It involved a male in his late 50s from Duncan. It doesn’t look to be suspicious. I don’t know the area well enough to be able to say how close these were to each other but both were in that same area.”
On Lundstrom’s Facebook page, memories and condolences were pouring in.
Adam Lundstrom posted: “Jeff, my dad’s cousin, or as I called him uncle Jeff. I will always remember going to Lake Cowichan and looking forward to seeing your boat fly by as my family would sit on the beach at Gordon Bay. You could hear it from a mile away it always had the best sound system, haha. As it would pass I would yell out: hey it’s uncle Jeff’s boat! And he would turn around and pick us up for the best boat rides of my life. Always a great time with you! Thanks for the crazy boat rides and great memories of the lake! Rest In Peace uncle Jeff!”
Heather Roderick added, “Big loss. he always made me smile. Sympathy to the Lundstrom family.”
Lisa Manson wrote, “RIP Jeff. Your warm smile and happy heart will be sorely missed.”
Nirmal Gerow wrote, “Dear Jeff. I am so glad we reconnected after so many years. We were able to look back to when we were growing up at Three Mile House, and to laugh and cry about a few things. We both healed a few wounds. We talked about seeing each other again, and I know that life has been busy for both. I was just glad to reconnect and rediscover the energy of two toddlers, like we were, talking and giggling by the fence. I love you, my friend. God speed.”
Diane Ward also loved Lundstrom’s stories, saying, “There are no words to express the pain that is caused by an unexpected loss! It was a pleasure to call you my friend! I loved your stories about your trips with Sabina! I will always remember you for your smile, stories and your love of family! RIP from Lady Di.”
