Third victim of Tsawwassen Orange Shirt Day crash dies in hospital

A third person has died after a vehicle struck pedestrians at a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event in Tsawwassen, B.C., local police say. The Delta Police Department said Wednesday that 64-year-old Gwenyth Brigit Dwyn died in hospital from injuries sustained in the Sept. 30 crash. Tsawwassen First Nation elders wilapiya, also known as Barb Joe, and Virginia Splockton died at the scene. A fourth person injured in the crash has been released from hospital and is recovering at home, police said.

The crash happened as community members gathered outside Tsawwassen Mills mall ahead of the unveiling of four traditional carvings known as house posts. Police previously said they suspect the pickup truck driver was experiencing medical distress when the truck struck the crowd. In Wednesday’s update, the department said the possibility of a medical event before the collisions remains under investigation. Based on evidence reviewed so far, investigators have not found evidence that the collision was targeted or ideologically motivated.

Police said their thoughts remain with the victims’ families and loved ones as they conduct what they described as a thorough and methodical investigation. The work has included reviewing a substantial volume of evidence, interviewing numerous witnesses and examining multiple videos of the event. Investigators have completed extensive scene and collision analysis and continue to examine all available evidence to determine what happened.

That work includes examining the vehicle’s movements on the Tsawwassen Mills property before pedestrians were struck, including an earlier collision. Police did not provide details about where or how that earlier collision occurred. Investigators have not reached a final conclusion about the cause of the collisions.

Police said investigators are still working to establish what happened. Any potential charges arising from the incident will be forwarded to Crown prosecutors for assessment. Staff Sgt. Mike Whiteley said police understand the community has questions and wants answers. He said the department’s responsibility is to ensure those answers are based on a complete and objective examination of the evidence, and that investigators must not reach conclusions before their work is complete.

Police renewed their appeal for witnesses. Anyone who has not already spoken with investigators can call 604-946-4411 and refer to file number 26-18401.