A 14-year-old boy was was struck by a car while cycling down Schoolhouse Street near Lucille Star Drive died in hospital Friday morning, according to the Coquitlam RCMP.
The young man was crossing the street when he was struck by a northbound vehicle shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday. The incident shutdown traffic in both directions and the Coquitlam RCMP's Traffic Services and Integrated Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Services is still investigating.
"There isn't a lot we can say about it until the investigation goes forward a little bit more," said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Jamie Chung. "We also have to review and analyze our witness statements. We are trying to get as many witnesses as possible. We have some but I don't think we have all of it."
He added that it is too early to say whether charges could result from the accident. Alcohol, drugs and speed are not believed to be a factor and police said the driver of the vehicle has been cooperating.
Thursday's incident is the second time a cyclist has been struck by a car in the Tri-Cities in the last week.
Another person was injured when a driver struck a bike on David Avenue between Lansdowne Avenue and Noons Creek Tuesday night.
Chung said that the incident happened shortly after 8 p.m. when the male cyclist was crossing the street at the crosswalk.
The setting sun is believed to have blinded the driver of a Honda Civic, who was heading westbound on David when he struck the cyclist. He added that alcohol was not a contributing factor.
"When the sun is setting it is pretty much right in your eyes," Chung said. "It is very difficult to see."
The cyclist was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital, where doctors said he is in critical condition.
Chung said a similar incident happened a couple of months ago at the same location. He reminded pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers before stepping onto the road.
The RCMP's Integrated Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Services is on the scene and is trying to determine how fast the driver was going when the incident occurred.
Police are also looking to get in touch with a doctor who administered first aid to the victim. She is asked to call the Coquitlam detachment at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2012-20949.
