Two Tsawwassen First Nation elders killed in mall parking lot crash
The victims are identified as cultural pillars Barb Joe and Virginia Splockton, who died as a community prepared for a Truth and Reconciliation event.
Analysis
Two Tsawwassen First Nation elders were killed and two others critically injured when a pickup truck struck them in a mall parking lot Wednesday morning.
"Two beloved [elders] from our community lost their lives," the Tsawwassen First Nation said in a statement Thursday.
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The nation identified the victims as wilapiya (Barb Joe) and Virginia Splockton, describing them as cultural pillars.
Joe was a "cultural pillar, knowledge keeper and matriarch" responsible for reviving the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, the nation said.
Splockton is remembered as a beloved family member with a deep love for crafting, drumming and singing, who "was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need."
Splockton's family described her as a great-grandmother and respected elder who was a familiar face at Tsawwassen First Nation gatherings.
Mayumi Izumi said Splockton once gave her an entire dish of leftover bannock and a jar of jam after hearing how much Izumi enjoyed it.
Joe, as a language and cultural coordinator for the nation, helped document and teach the Coast Salish language spoken by the Tsawwassen people.
Investigation focuses on driver's medical emergency
The Delta Police Department said the collision occurred around 10:25 a.m. PT on Sept. 30 outside the Tsawwassen Mills mall.
Police said the male driver of the vehicle may have suffered a medical emergency in the moments leading up to the crash.
"At this time, there is no information to suggest the collision was intentional," police said in a news release.
The driver received medical attention and has been released from hospital after being interviewed by investigators.
No charges have been sworn as of Thursday afternoon.
"If the evidence warrants us forwarding charges to Crown counsel, then we'll be doing that," said Delta Police Staff Sgt. Mike Whiteley.
The two injured pedestrians remain in hospital with "serious, life-altering injuries" and are in critical condition, Whiteley said.
They are not members of the Tsawwassen First Nation.
Two people were flown to hospital by helicopter, according to the Provincial Health Services Authority.
"This was a very tragic event," Whiteley told reporters. "It was very difficult for our first responders, but also for our community, and especially for the Tsawwassen First Nation."
Crash occurred near planned ceremony
The crash happened as the Tsawwassen First Nation was preparing for a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event elsewhere on the mall property.
Police said the area where the collision occurred was scheduled to host a house post unveiling following a community walk.
"While the crash happened while a Truth and Reconciliation Day Walk was taking place elsewhere on the mall property, police say there is no evidence linking the collision to the event," police said.
Two hand-carved Indigenous house posts stood under tarpaulins at the mall entrance on Thursday, waiting for an unveiling that never came.
Patsy Thompson, a musician scheduled to play at the event, arrived to the sight of the pickup truck rammed into a brick wall.
"When I first pulled up, I was in absolute shock," she said in a video posted to social media.
"There were people screaming, EMS trying to help people on the ground who looked very injured," she said. "It was ambulance and ambulance and ambulance showing up."
The Provincial Health Services Authority said it sent 12 ground ambulances and two helicopters to the scene.
The truck involved was towing a trailer and was branded with the logo for Alpine Building Maintenance, which has held a cleaning contract at the mall since 2019.
In a statement, the company confirmed one of its vehicles was involved and said it is co-operating with authorities.
"We are co-operating with the appropriate authorities to support their investigation. Our thoughts are with everyone affected," it said.
Community mourns profound loss
The Tsawwassen First Nation requested privacy as it grieves, adding that its offices would be closed on Oct. 1 and 2.
"We recognize the profound impact this tragedy has had on our community as a whole," the nation's statement reads.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed sadness and shock over the tragedy.
"On a day already set aside for solemn reflection, a tragedy during the Tsawwassen First Nation Truth and Reconciliation event has shocked and saddened us all," he wrote.
"As we wait for more details, our thoughts are with the families, with those injured, and with everyone at Tsawwassen First Nation."
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society said the loss of the two "beloved" elders is devastating.
The Huu-ay-aht First Nations on Vancouver Island said it feels the tragedy deeply as an elder who died was a grandparent of one of its citizens.
In a Facebook post, B.C.'s First Nations Health Authority described elders as "knowledge keepers, teachers and ceremonial leaders" who pass traditions to future generations.
Police are continuing to investigate and ask anyone with information or footage to contact them at 604-946-4444 and reference file 26-18401.
Nosy Mag reported on Wednesday that police were investigating a possible medical emergency.
With files from The Canadian Press, CBC News and CityNews