WATCH: It’s been a heartbreaking start to the new year in Nanaimo where an eight-year-old boy is dead. The youngster was on his bike when it collided with a truck on Sunday morning and as Skye Ryan reports, despite the efforts of bystanders, he died a short time later.
The eight-year-old boy who died after he was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle on Nelson Street in Nanaimo Sunday is being remembered online as a charismatic and sweet child.
Police said the boy was struck at approximately 11:40 a.m. in the 1000-block of Nelson Street in Nanaimo. Nanaimo RCMP said emergency first aid was started almost immediately by several Good Samaritans, police officers, firefighters and EHS.
The child was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced dead, Nanaimo RCMP.
Police officers got multiple statements and spoke with the driver of the truck who remained at the scene. Nanaimo RCMP said the driver co-operated with investigators.
Officers were able to determine the boy was wearing a bike helmet and was with another sibling when he rode out of the driveway and collided with the Ford F-350 pickup truck. Alcohol, speed and drugs are not believed to be contributing factors. The vehicle was seized by investigators and will undergo a mechanical inspection.
Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services is assisting the family. The boy was a student in School District 68 (Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools). RCMP School Liaison Officers along with grief counsellors will be in place to assist with any students and staff affected by the incident.
“This is just a tragic occurrence. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the young boy and everyone involved. We would also like to acknowledge several bystanders who without hesitation initiated emergency first aid to the youth,” Const. Gary O’Brien, media relations officer with the RCMP, said.
Nanaimo RCMP have not identified the boy but a GoFundMe that has been set up by a family friend to cover funeral costs said it was Linden Baglo who died.
According to Tracy Williams, who set up the GoFundMe, Linden was riding his bike with his sister and best friend.
“Linden was a charismatic sweet boy who loved to tell stories and gave the best arm massages to all that would listen and let him! I had once said he would be an actor one day with all the different characters and voices he could dream up and act out. A truly remarkable young boy,” Williams wrote.
Williams also described Linden as a funny little boy who brought joy and smiles to everyone’s life.
A GoFundMe has identified the boy who died while riding his bicycle in Nanaimo on Jan. 6, 2019 as Linden Baglo. (GoFundMe).
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Nanaimo RCMP said the bystanders who rendered first aid left before investigators could speak to them. Anyone who was a bystander or has information on the incident is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
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