Searchers are asking the public’s help in locating a black Labradoodle that escaped from a fatal crash on the grounds of the Cowichan District Hospital off Gibbins Road in the late hours of Jan. 31.

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that one of the two people that were in the car, which was overturned in the accident, was killed.

The man who died in the crash has been identified on a GoFundMe page as Dallas, and a woman who was also seriously injured in the crash and is in hospital has been identified as Kelsey.

The GoFundMe page can be found at https://gofund.me/65b850ba

Gary Shade, a member of FLED (Find Lost & Escaped Dogs Vancouver Island), said someone approached the car shortly after the accident and opened the door in an effort to help the occupants.

He said that’s when the 10-month-old dog, named Willow, bolted from the vehicle and ran away.

Shade said he expects Willow is likely very frightened after the accident, and may be injured.

“There are two children who are very upset with the loss of Willow and really want him returned as soon as possible,” Shade said.

“There have been a number of sightings of Willow since then in the hospital area, with the latest one that seems pretty credible at about 8:30 a.m. [on Feb. 4] on Cliffs Road where he was spotted running through a yard in the direction of Government Street.”

Shade said that if anyone spots Willow, don’t approach him as he’s probably skittish and scared after the accident and will likely run away.

He said anyone who sees the dog should note his direction of travel and call FLED at 250-479-0911 or 250-213-1420 or email info@fledsearch.ca.

“He’s probably pretty hungry as well, so anyone who sees him might try to put some food out for him without making eye contact,” Shade said.

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robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Cowichan Valley Citizen