A 28-year-old Cowichan Valley man has been charged in connection with a hit and run accident that took the life of a young woman almost six months ago.
The North Cowichan-Duncan RCMP says Crown Counsel has approved a charge against 28-year-old Ryan Mesa of Fail to Stop at the Scene of an Accident Causing Death.
The 17-year-old woman was struck on Trans-Canada Highway between Green Road and Beverly Road in North Cowichan on April 18, 2024.
Emergency crews found the woman deceased at the scene.
The BC Coroners Service was called and confirmed the death.
Mesa’s first court appearance has been set for October 15, 2024.
The RCMP thanks the public for their assistance in the lengthy investigation.
Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels released a statement saying she is “pleased to hear that a criminal charge has been laid in the hit-and-run that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old member of our community in April.”
Chief Daniels says the charge is a small comfort in the face of tragedy and nothing can bring this youth back to her family and friends.
She says her heart goes out to the family during this painful time and thanks everyone who provided information to the investigators.
