North Vancouver RCMP are investigating after a woman in her early 20s struck a van and was killed while longboarding down a steep mountain road.
The woman was on an extra long skateboard travelling down Mt. Seymour Road around 11 a.m. Friday when she failed to make the turn at Ann MacDonald Way and collided with an approaching van.
An off-duty trauma nurse and firefighter who were in the area rushed to the woman's aid. She was transported by ambulance to Lions Gate Hospital but died from her injuries a short time later.
The victim was wearing a helmet.
RCMP victim services are providing support to the friends and family of the deceased. Her name is not being released at this time.
Mounties say the accident highlights the dangers associated with using longboards on roadways. The skateboards, usually measuring three to five feet in length, are often ridden at high speeds down long hills.
"Police encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and the many activities the North Shore provides, but to use caution and to engage in activities that do not have the potential for this kind of sad outcome," Cpl. Peter DeVries said in a statement.
The department has a zero tolerance policy for any longboarder caught breaking municipal or city bylaws, including not wearing a helmet and riding in the middle of the road.
