Fresh flowers were placed at a memorial marking the spot of a fatal crash in Oak Bay one year ago.
On May 17, 2023 a speeding SUV driven by a 66-year-old woman jumped the sidewalk and crashed directly into a group of municipal workers.
The impact killed the father of two young children, 52-year-old Steve Seekins.
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Oak Bay resident Jim Harker was at the scene shortly after.
“They were screaming blue murder at the scene for help,” he told CHEK News. “I could see that something horrific had happened.”
The driver was assisted out of the vehicle by paramedics, and was later treated at the hospital.
A year later, the investigation into what caused the crash, or if any charges are pending, is still underway.
When asked why the investigation is taking so long, Oak Bay Police Chief Mark Fisher had this to say:
“What I can say is it’s a very complex investigation. Obviously lots of pieces in play here and witnesses to interview, video evidence that’s been reviewed, and ongoing discussions with Crown counsel, with WorkSafe, ICBC, and a wide variety of witnesses and employees who saw what happened.”
Seekins had only started working with the District of Oak Bay a few months earlier, and did not qualify for benefits or life insurance.
He had moved his young family from Alberta in 2022.
Fundraisers started immediately to help his family, which have raised $150,000 so far, according to Shireen Clark, president of CUPE Local 374.
“If anyone still wants to donate to the family, they can contact us through the website, we have an account where money can be sent directly,” she said.
Seekins’ death served as a reminder to the region’s municipal employees of the potential dangers they face working outdoors.
“It really affected many of our outside crew, and realizing the safety needed for workers when they are outside on the road,” Clark said. “And awareness in some of our smaller municipalities that may not have a ton of staff.”
All Funds contributed will go directly to the Seekins family.
For information on donations, contact the CUPE local 374 office at 250-472-0374.
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