Maple Ridge driver dies in hospital after cellphone crash
A 21-year-old Maple Ridge man has succumbed to his injuries after the car he was driving was T-boned by a pickup truck in the 23800-block of Kanaka Way on Wednesday.
Alexander Johnston, who graduated from Garibaldi secondary, died Thursday after being airlifted to Royal Colombian Hospital in New Westminster.
Maple Ridge firefighters had to use the jaws of life to remove him from the white Honda Civic he was driving after it was struck on the drivers' side by a blue Chevy pickup just after 7 p.m.
The driver of the pickup was not injured.
Ridge Meadows RCMP believe Johnston was talking on his cellphone when the crash occurred.
“The preliminary investigation is indicating the driver of the Honda was using his cellular phone at the time, and this action clearly distracted him," said Sgt. Dale Somerville of Ridge Meadows RCMP. "I want to remind motorists that using any electronic device, especially a cell phone, is not only against the law, but has been proven to be one of the leading causes of crashes.”
Witnesses at the scene said the driver of the Honda Civic was stopped at the side of the road and pulled out in front of the truck with no warning.
A Ridge Meadows RCMP spokesperson said police will continue to investigate to see if any other factors played a role in the crash.
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