RCMP investigators are still hoping a key witness will come forward to help in their investigation of a fatal accident in Ladner that claimed the life of 19-year-old Olivia Malcom last month.
Investigators have received information that an unidentified witness might have assisted at the scene.
“The witness was driving a blue Jeep Liberty and had been coming from the direction of the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal,” said Const. Mike Halskov with E-Division Traffic Services. “Investigators are not ruling out the possibility that the witness is from Vancouver Island.”
Halskov told the Optimist that the witness has yet to come forward since police made their request on June 20.
If this individual recognizes himself or herself as the witness being sought, they are asked contact Const. Niels Hermes at 778-290-2411 or email: [email protected].
On Saturday, June 2 at approximately 10:15 p.m., police, firefighters and paramedics attended the collision on Highway 17A north of Ladner Trunk Road.
A northbound vehicle, in which Malcom was a passenger, was stopped at the side of the highway. The male driver, Malcom's boyfriend, pulled over at the bus stop and stayed in the vehicle while Malcom and a female friend got out to check for something in the trunk. Both women were behind the vehicle when a northbound Jeep struck them from behind.
Malcom, who was a promising New Westminster lacrosse player, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her friend, 20, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The Jeep driver remained at the scene and cooperated. Alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor, according to police.
Halskov confirmed the accident is still under investigation by Deas Island Traffic Services.
“Because it is being investigated as an impaired driving fatality, the threshold for charge approval is high and the amount of information needed to meet the charge approval standard takes considerable time to gather,” he said. “In order to maintain the integrity of the investigation, I do not anticipate any further information will be released.
“Often it can take several months or more before cases like this are forwarded to Crown Counsel for charge consideration.”
