22-year-old man struck and killed by semi in Vernon

A 22-year-old man died when he was hit by a semi on Highway 6 in Vernon Thursday morning.

The pedestrian was on the highway near the intersection with 27 Street close to the Okanagan Science Centre when he was struck by what RCMP describe as the cab section of a commercial tractor trailer unit that was driving east bound on the highway.

The pedestrian was killed and the driver didn’t remain at the scene.

RCMP said it happened at around 7:15 a.m., Feb. 12.

“It is of the utmost importance that the police speak with the driver of the semi and we are urging them to come forward,” Vernon RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Tania Finn said in a media release.

Members from the RCMP’s highway patrol and integrated collision analyst section are investigating.

“To assist with the investigation, police are requesting witnesses and anyone with dash cam footage from the area around the time of the collision to come forward.”

The coroner’s office is also part of the investigation to determine the cause of death.

RCMP are not releasing the identity of the man killed but say his family are receiving support.

Anyone with information about the collision, including dash cam footage on Highway 6 between the Science Centre entrance and the 27 Street intersection during the time frame of 7 a.m. and 7:25 a.m. are asked to contact Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171.