Update 4pm October 3, 2024
The West Kelowna RCMP and BC Highway Patrol have reopened Highway 97 northbound following this morning fatal motorcycle collision.
Traffic will still be slow going through the affected area so motorists are advised to slowdown or take an alternate route if possible.
Police are asking the public if they have any dash camera footage between 8:15am – 8:50am this morning on Highway 97 northbound at Grizzly Road to submit it. If you have footage and have not yet spoken to police, please call the RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference the file number 2024-58374.
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School District 23 also released a statment on the victim which is believed to be a student from Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary School.
"Central Okanagan Public Schools offers sincere condolences to the family and Mount Boucherie Secondary School (MBSS) community following the tragic loss of a student.
The Post-Critical Incident Response Team (PCIRT) is attending MBSS. PCIRT includes District leaders and counselors with special training in supporting students and staff during a crisis at a school.
"Our hearts are foremost with the student's family, and we offer our support to everyone in the school community," said Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "This tragedy has a wide impact, and we will continue to support each other in the coming days and months through compassion and togetherness."
As the school community processes the tragic news and works together to heal, we ask that media please refrain from calling the school directly for comment and confirm further details with the West Kelowna RCMP."
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West Kelowna RCMP have closed Highway 97 northbound due to a vehicle collision at Grizzly Road this morning.
The crash involved a motorcycle and large truck transporting a crane. EHS also attended and confirmed the driver of the motorcycle is deceased.
Traffic is being re-routed onto alternate routes and RCMP is asking motorists to avoid the area if possible.
The driver of the truck has remained on scene and is fully cooperating with police, no criminality is suspected at this time and the investigation is ongoing. The RCMP reconstructionist has been called to attend. No other information will be released at this time as this is an unfolding incident.