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Police say criminality not suspected in Sunnycrest Mall tragedy

One pedestrian was killed, another pedestrian and vehicle driver injured
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People have been laying flowers to honour Lesalie McGinnis, who died last week in a tragic incident at Sunnycrest Mall.

A tragic incident at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons has left one woman dead and another injured after a vehicle struck a guard rail, dislodging it and hitting two pedestrians.

The collision occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, in the 900 block of Sunshine Coast Highway. Sunshine Coast RCMP, firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene.

Initial reports suggested a pedestrian had been directly struck by the vehicle, but investigators later confirmed that the vehicle had hit a guardrail, which then dislodged and struck the pedestrians. Photos show the guardrail dislodged was by the BC Liquor store and the pedestrians were beside the CIBC. Photos show the Kia went on to crash into the back wall of CIBC. 

Lesalie McGinnis, 67, of Gibsons died at the scene, while another woman was transported to hospital with injuries. The driver, who remained on site, was also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Authorities have not released cause of the crash. 

Sunshine Coast RCMP Staff Sgt. Jennifer Prunty told Coast Reporter, “While the circumstances surrounding this incident are extremely tragic, the Sunshine Coast RCMP do not believe criminality was involved in this incident.”

The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) attended the scene to assist with the ongoing investigation. Victim Services were also on site to provide emotional support.

The BC Coroners Service responded and has taken responsibility for the deceased.

“We appreciate the public nature of this incident and the impact it has had on witnesses, bystanders and persons/families involved,” said Prunty. “Out of respect for the families involved, we will not be releasing any personal information of the parties involved.”

Anyone affected by the incident who would like to speak to the RCMP is encouraged to contact Victim Services at 604-885-2266.

RCMP also confirmed the BC Coroners Service will be conducting a separate investigation into the cause of death.

Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

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