‘Do the moral thing’: RCMP urge witnesses to fatal boat crash to come forward

The boy who was critically injured in a fatal boat crash in North Vancouver has been identified, as Mounties urge more witnesses to come forward.

Mounties in North Vancouver say there are witnesses with “intimate knowledge” of a tragic boat crash that killed one child and left another critically injured – and are urging those people to “speak up.”

Last Saturday, a speedboat crashed into two boys who were tubing in the water off of Cates Park. Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall was killed and the other boy was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

• Read more: ‘Live big for Lionel’: Parents celebrate spirit of 10-year-old boy killed in B.C. boating tragedy

The driver of the boat was arrested, and the North Vancouver RCMP said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the crash.

No charges have been laid.

Police say an initial appeal for witnesses prompted “dozens” to come forward and provide statements. However, there are believed to be additional people who could have crucial information, according to authorities.

“We have since learned through investigation that there may still be individuals with intimate knowledge of the collision and events prior, who have yet to come forward,” North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mansoor Sahak said.

“Police are appealing to those individuals to do the moral thing and speak to investigators.”

Investigators can be reached by calling 604-985-1311 and quoting file number 2025-11599.