Police say an 80-year-old French Creek woman died Wednesday evening after she was struck by a passing vehicle.
According to a news release issued by the Oceanside RCMP Thursday morning, at approximately 3 p.m. Wednesday a woman was found lying on the side of the road on Roberton Boulevard, near Lakes Boulevard in French Creek (Morningstar area).
Police said the woman was discovered a short distance from her home by a passerby.
Paramedics were called and she was transported to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital by B.C. Ambulance. Despite the best efforts from B.C. Ambulance and hospital staff in both Nanaimo and Victoria, the woman died at approximately 11 p.m. as a result of the serious head trauma sustained.
“Investigators are confident that the female’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a passing vehicle,” states the news release.
Investigators do not have a vehicle or driver identified at this time.
Neighbours who knew the deceased say they’re “devastated.”
“She was a very nice lady and a good friend,” Doug Calder told The NEWS Thursday morning, noting the woman used canes to walk around due to mobility issues.
The narrow stretch of road along Roberton Boulevard where the woman was struck has caused issues for years given its many sharp corners, he said.
“People drive through here like idiots,” said Calder. “Minor accidents are common.”
Asked what the area may benefit from to enhance safety — a lower speed limit, sidewalks or road bumps — Calder said “common sense (from drivers) would help.”
RCMP from Oceanside and Central Vancouver Island Traffic Services are actively investigating this occurrence and would like to speak with anyone who may have information. If you can help, please call the Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.