Sunshine Coast RCMP are hoping to hear from any witnesses who haven’t yet come forward, as police continue investigating the death of an 86-year-old Gibsons woman in a March 21 accident.
RCMP said in a release the woman died after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 101 near Oceanview Drive, just west of Gibsons. The accident happened just after 8 p.m.
Investigators believe the woman had just gotten off a bus and was crossing the highway, when she was hit. Several people, including two doctors, stopped to try to help, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car has been cooperating with RCMP, who said they suspect the dark and rainy conditions may have been factors. No charges are being recommended at this time.
The woman has been identified as Janice Farrell of Elphinstone. Farrell was retired, and dedicated much of her time to volunteer activities at the Sechelt Public Library.
“The library staff was shocked and saddened to learn that the accident … involved our devoted and long-time library volunteer Janice Farrell,” said chief librarian Margaret Hodgins in a statement to Coast Reporter. “She came to the library just about every day we were open to sit and read, visit, or perform her duties as a weekly volunteer shelver. Janice made it her mission to engage with everyone she met, young or old, at the bus stop or in the grocery store line, and have a meaningful conversation with them. We are all a little kinder for having known her and we will miss her.”
“Our thoughts are with the woman’s friends and family,” said RCMP Const. Harrison Mohr. “This is a tragic reminder of how something as simple as crossing the street can be so dangerous under certain conditions, and how pedestrians and drivers alike need to be extra cautious during low-light or adverse weather conditions.
“We would also like to extend our appreciation to all those who stopped to help, and it is important that those people seek help for themselves if they feel they need it after being affected by this sad event.”
If you have any additional information or witnessed the collision and have not yet spoken with police, please call Sunshine Coast RCMP at 604-885-2266.
