Victim of scooter fatality identified

Update -- Jan. 17, 2:30 p.m.

The BC Coroners Service has identified the elderly man who was struck and killed earlier this week in Rutland.

William Roloff, 89, of Kelowna was driving his electric scooter southbound across Highway 33 at Bryden Road when he was struck by a vehicle travelling westbound.

Roloff was transferred to the Kelowna General Hospital where, despite treatment, he died of his injuries. 

Original story -- Jan. 16

An 89-year-old Kelowna man has died as a result of injuries suffered when he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Highway 33 on a motorized scooter.

Photo: Ragnar Haagen - Castanet

The collision occurred late Tuesday morning at the intersection of Hwy. 33 and Bryden Road, when the man attempted to cross four lanes of traffic on his scooter. That particular intersection does not have a crosswalk.

The man made his way across the eastbound lanes and police were told that the inner lane of westbound traffic had stopped for him to continue. The man proceeded to cross the westbound lanes, but the outer lane was still flowing.

The man was struck by a grey GMC Sierra, the impact of which threw him off his scooter. The man suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital in critical condition. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries later that afternoon.
 
A detailed scene survey was conducted by an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist but the analysis of that information is not yet complete.
 
RCMP say the investigation is in its infancy and it's too early to determine whether any charges will be laid. Speed and alcohol are not considered factors at this time.
 
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information who has yet to speak with police is asked to call the Central Okanagan Traffic Services, Cst. Schneider at 250-980-5353.

Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.