Saanich Police have reported that a 16-year-old teenager has succumbed to his injuries after being hit by a car while crossing a street in Saanich.
“His personal belongings were scattered all over the other side of the road,” said witness and neighbour Zul Rajabali.
Crystal Bourque the mother of 16-year-old Kaydence Bourque, confirmed the news through a post on Facebook.
“It is with the heaviest heart and terribly devastating news I must let you know that last night my wonderful handsome kind loving 16-year-old son was walking home after getting off the bus and struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk, less than 100 feet from our front door,” reads the post from Crystal.
“He never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead today at 16:20.”
Crystal added, “I have never felt this much pain in all my life. I have not slept in over 40 hours now and won’t leave his side until the very end. I don’t know if I will ever recover from this.”
The collision happened on December 6, at a crosswalk on Cedar Hill Cross Road at Merriman Drive at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Following the collision, the teenager was rushed to the Victoria General Hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries.
“We are very sad to report that the youth pedestrian has succumbed to their injuries. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and anyone that has been affected by this very tragic incident,” reads a statement from Saanich Police.
The driver of the vehicle involved has been fully cooperating with the investigation, according to police. But at this stage, there remain more questions than answers.
“I cannot comment on speed at this time, but I can tell you alcohol was ruled out,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades, with Saanich Police.
There are pedestrian lights at the marked crosswalk where Kaydence was hit. At this time, police say they’re unsure if they were triggered or not, hoping neighbour’s CCTV footage may show them more.
“It was raining, all that will be taken into consideration as possible causes for this collision,” said Cst. Anastasiades.
According to ICBC, there have been 6 recorded crashes at the same intersection from 2016-2o21. But neighbours say this crosswalk is notorious for ‘close calls’.
“By the time they get to the crest and you hit the light, it’s basically too late,” said Rajabali
And Kaydence’s death, has some, calling for change.
“On the roads, it’s a nightmare,” said Saanich local and daily cyclist Philip Marciniak. “Things just aren’t changing quickly enough.”
Marciniak will be demonstrating outside Saanich municipal hall Friday at 2 p.m. as a result of Kaydence’s death, to pressure Saanich’s council for reduced speed limits and faster infrastructure updates across the municipality.
Meanwhile, the mayor isn’t jumping to any conclusions.
“We don’t know what caused this accident,” said Fred Haynes, Saanich Mayor. “Having said that, we’re doing all we can with the road and sidewalk that we’ve inherited to make it the best it possibly can be, and that takes time.”
Kaydence leaves behind a loving sister, mother, and father. A go fund me created by friends is asking people to give what they can.
And Kaydence, in his death, is still giving too — his organs now being used to save a handful of others.
CHEK News
Kori Sidaway
