Vernon RCMP looking for transport truck driver involved on Feb. 12 fatality

Still looking for truck driver

Photo: Contributed

A week after Ezra Cool was killed at the intersection of 27th Street and Highway 6, Vernon RCMP are still looking for the driver of the transport truck that struck the 22 year old.

A week after Ezra Cool was killed at the intersection of 27th Street and Highway 6, Vernon RCMP are still looking for the driver of the transport truck that struck the 22 year old.

“Unfortunately, the truck and driver have not yet been identified and the incident is still under investigation,” said Cpl. Tania Finn.

Cool, a former Royal Canadian Sea Cadet, died after being struck by a semi-truck traveling eastbound on Highway 6 in the early hours of Feb. 12. According to family member, Cool was suffering from active psychosis and had voluntarily checked himself into the hospital seeking help.

After being certified under the Mental Health Act and spending six days in emergency, he somehow escaped from the hospital because of lack of supervision. Mere hours after he escaped, he was struck by the semi-truck.

“It is of the utmost importance that the police speak with the driver of the semi and we are urging them to come forward,” said Finn in an earlier interview.

“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.”

Anyone with information regarding this collision, including dash cam footage on Highway 6 between the Science Centre entrance and 27th Street intersection during the time frame of 7 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12 are urged to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171.

A fundraiser for Cool has been set up, as the family is facing unexpected funeral expenses.