One of two cyclists who were struck by an alleged hit-and-run driver while training for a charity bike ride in northern British Columbia has died.
Shane Kelly was riding with a Cops for Cancer Tour de North teammate in Prince George earlier this week when both cyclists were struck by a pickup truck that fled the scene, according to authorities.
Kelly and the other rider, a Prince George RCMP officer, were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Kelly died in hospital Thursday, according to a joint statement from the local RCMP and the Canadian Cancer Society.
First responders were dispatched to the crash scene near the intersection of North Ospika Boulevard and McRae Avenue around 9 a.m. Monday.
The suspect vehicle, identified as a newer model, black Dodge Ram 1500, reportedly fled the scene but was later located by police. The man driving the truck was arrested, according to investigators.
“We are all heartbroken by this news,” said Laura Nelson, manager of the childhood cancer research fundraiser, in the statement Friday.
“Shane was a caring and enthusiastic team builder from the very beginning, offering comradery, encouragement and support to the entire Tour de North team.”
Mounties say the crash investigation is ongoing. Police are looking to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or who has surveillance video of the suspect vehicle prior to the crash.
“Shane’s family is taking time to grieve privately and has requested space during this difficult period,” Cpl. Jennifer Cooper of the Prince George RCMP said in the statement.
Kelly had been an enthusiastic supporter of other cancer-related fundraisers, according to Nelson, including the Relay for Life, Wheeling Warriors and Tour de Cure.
“He was driven by a deep commitment to making a difference for children with cancer,” she added. “Shane’s teammates are devastated by the loss of one of their own, in such tragic circumstances.”
The Cops for Cancer Tour de North event takes place over seven days in September, with riders travelling more than 700 kilometres between Prince George and Prince Rupert.