Community members are mourning the loss of a 14-year-old boy from Cedar who died in a collision earlier this week.
Parker Amann died on Thursday after the rideable lawnmower he was driving collided with a pickup truck at an intersection shortly before noon.
“He was just a super kind kid. I love him so much and it’s just so unfortunate to lose him,” said Logan Brownsword who visited the memorial Saturday and said Parker was his best friend.
Brownsword said he and Parker were both looking forward to turning 15 in February.
Social media was awash with condolences and memories of the young man in the days that followed.
His father, Paul Amann, said his family’s hearts were “shattered” by the crash.
“My best friend, son, brother, cousin, grandson, great-grandson and friend to riders all over the world,” he wrote.
“You will be missed.”
Reece Wallace, a professional mountain biker from Nanaimo, also shared condolences for Parker.
“You were an amazing little dude—volunteering at my event always willing to help out with a shovel or hose in hand, cliff jumping, digging through my basement for bike parts and talking about airplanes with you and your dad,” wrote Wallace.
“You had an eager optimism and your love for bikes and just being a kid was contagious. Happy trails, Parker.”
Story continues below
View this post on Instagram
On Thursday, the Nanaimo RCMP said accident reconstructionists examined the scene for several hours. The BC Coroners Service also opened its own investigation into the teen’s death.
Mounties believe the lawnmower failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Lindsey Road and White Road.
The driver of the truck, a 45-year-old man, stayed at the scene. Drugs and alcohol have been ruled out as factors in the crash.
“We extend our sincere thoughts and condolences to everyone impacted by this tragic incident, including many of the first responders who live and work in the area,” said Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP on Thursday.
With files from CHEK’s Kendall Hanson
Adam Chan
