A 14-year-old boy who was struck by a car Thursday while cycling on Schoolhouse Street near Lucille Star Drive died in hospital Friday morning, according to the Coquitlam RCMP.
The teen was crossing the street when he was struck by a northbound vehicle shortly after 2 p.m. last Thursday. The incident shut down traffic in both directions and the Coquitlam RCMP's Traffic Services and Integrated Collision Analyst and Reconstruction Services is 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 factors and police said the driver of the vehicle has been co-operating.
The victim, who police said was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, died of a severe brain injury. Due to his age, the boy's name will not be released.
Police are asking any witnesses to come forward. In a press release on Saturday, the Mounties said three Caucasian males dressed in casual business attire were seen walking north on Schoolhouse Street on the east sidewalk.
As well, the driver of a pickup truck stopped at the intersection of Schoolhouse Street and Lucille Starr Drive and put on hazard lights.
Any person with information about these witnesses or any other information about the collision is asked to call the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2012-21131.
Thursday's incident was the second time a cyclist was struck by a car last week in Coquitlam.
2ND CYCLIST HIT
Another bike rider was injured Tuesday evening when a driver struck a bike on David Avenue between Lansdowne Avenue and Noons Creek. The cyclist was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Chung said that 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 west 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."
Chung said a similar incident happened a couple of months ago at the same location. He reminded cyclists or pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers before venturing across a road.
Police are 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.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
