A female motorcyclist died following a collision with a recreational vehicle on the Sea-to-Sky Highway near Deeks Creek Bridge on Sunday evening, prompting an eight-hour closure that stranded thousands of travelers between Vancouver and Squamish.
According to the B.C. RCMP, the incident began around 5:30 p.m. when a highway patrol officer attempted to stop two motorcyclists reported for speeding and erratic driving. The motorbikes did not stop, and shortly thereafter, one of the riders collided with an RV. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of B.C., a civilian-led police watchdog, has been notified and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the police interaction. The highway remained closed in both directions until approximately 2 a.m. Monday, creating significant gridlock. Stranded motorists reported long waits, with some resorting to sleeping in their vehicles or seeking local hospitality in Squamish as supplies of food and fuel dwindled.
The IIO is requesting that any witnesses or individuals with video footage of the incident contact their office at 1-855-446-8477. Additionally, the B.C. Highway Patrol is seeking information from anyone who may have seen the motorcyclists traveling between Britannia Beach and the crash site; they can be reached at 604-526-9744.