UPDATED 3:16 p.m., March 29:
The passenger of a vehicle involved in an early morning accident in Willow Point Saturday has died.
Campbell River RCMP were investigating an unrelated break and enter in the area nearby just before 4 a.m. As officers were on scene, they saw a vehicle driving at a “high rate of speed” northbound on the Island Highway. The vehicle lost control and collided with the centre median before hitting a tree.
The passenger, a man in his 20s, suffered serious, life-threatening injuries, the RCMP said. Officers did first aid and he was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The driver was arrested on scene.
Const. Maury Tyre with the Campbell River RCMP said in a Sunday update that alcohol and speed have not been ruled out as factors in the crash.
Both the Campbell River Major Crimes Unit and the Independent Investigations Office (IIO), which investigates situations involving officers that result in death or serious harm, “whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing” are investigating.
The IIO is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have video footage to contact their witness line at 1-855-446-8477.
Campbell River RCMP was investigation a break and enter at a business near Westgate Road and the Island Highway at 4 a.m. on March 28.
RELATED: Campbell River fire crews respond to deck fire
According to an RCMP press release, as the officers were investigating the break and enter, they saw a vehicle driving quickly northbound on the Island Highway. The vehicle lost control and collided with trees, which ejected the passenger, who has serious, life-threatening injuries.
Officers did first aid immediately on the passenger and the driver was arrested. The passenger is receiving treatment for their injuries at the Campbell River hospital, while the driver is in police custody at the detachment.
RELATED: Campbell River RCMP closing front counter service as of March 25
Island Highway was closed between Westgate and Hilchey Roads in Willow Point. The criminal investigation is being conducted by the Campbell River Major Crime Unit.
@marissatielmarissa.tiel@campbellrivermirror.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
