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Delta police say another victim has died as a result of the vehicle crash at Tsawwassen Mills mall on Sept. 30.
Police said in a news release Wednesday that 64-year-old Gwenyth Brigit Dwyn of South Delta, one of two people who were hospitalized following the crash, has died as a result of her injuries.
Two other people were declared dead at the scene, where a house pole raising event had been taking place following a Truth and Reconciliation Day walk hosted by Tsawwassen First Nation.
Police initially said the vehicle’s driver “may have experienced a medical emergency,” but added Wednesday that investigators have not reached any final conclusions on the cause of the crash.
The two people killed at the scene were Tsawwassen First Nation elders Virginia Splockton and wilapiya (Barb Joe).
Police said Wednesday the second injured person has been released from hospital and continues their recovery at home.
“Our thoughts remain with the victims families and loved ones, and with everyone affected by this tragedy,” Delta police said.
Cause remains under investigation
The department has faced criticism over a lack of public updates on the investigation. Before Wednesday, there had not been an update since Oct. 1.
In their new statement, Delta police Staff Sgt. Mike Whiteley said the responsibility of police is to ensure answers are based on an objective examination of evidence.
“Investigators are working through a significant amount of information, and it is important that we not reach conclusions before that work is complete.”
First responders outside the mall after the collision. (Johna Baylon/CBC)
The release said investigators have reviewed a “substantial volume of evidence including cellphone and other video evidence,” and completed a scene and collision analysis.
“This work includes examining the movements of the involved vehicle on the Tsawwassen Mills property before the pedestrians were struck, including an earlier collision. Investigators have not reached any final conclusions regarding the cause of the collisions,” Delta police said.
“Based on the evidence reviewed to date, investigators have not identified evidence indicating that the collision was targeted or ideologically motivated.”
Police said they continue to investigate the “possibility that the driver experienced a medical event prior to the collisions.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who observed the vehicle on the mall property before the crash, and has not already spoken to investigators, is asked to contact Delta police.
