Private B.C. school identifies cyclist killed during weekend cancer fundraiser

VICTORIA – The 16-year-old Canadian cyclist who collided with a car and was killed during a cancer-fundraising bike ride in Washington state attended a private Christian school in Victoria, B.C.

Pacific Christian School has publicly acknowledged the death of Grade 10 student Xavier Pelletier, saying the boy also competed in sailing, volleyball and rugby.

Pelletier was one of about 2,6000 cyclists who were participating in the fifth annual Ride to Conquer Cancer between Vancouver and Seattle.

Police in Arlington, north of Seattle, say the teen tried to pass a pack of fellow riders but lost control of his bike, veered into oncoming traffic and was hit by a car Sunday morning.

Pelletier was riding in support of his uncle who was a cancer survivor.

A handful of comments have already been posted on a website setup by the school to honour the teen, and one notes Pelletier will “never be forgotten” for befriending a young student and showing “selfless kindness.”