A 48-year-old mother has died after being struck by a van on Admirals Road last week.
West Shore RCMP said the woman died of her injuries over the weekend.
Police shut down the intersection of Admirals and Maple Bank roads for several hours on Thursday so traffic analysts could examine the scene.
Events at the Songhees Wellness Centre, including a back-to-school event, were cancelled on Thursday.
West Shore RCMP said drugs and alcohol use by the driver of the van, a white GMC Savana, have been ruled out as contributing factors in the crash.
The case is still under investigation.
The Songhees Nation announced the death of Bernice (Bea) Sam on Friday.
“Bernice was a dedicated and vibrant presence within our Nation — a cherished family member, a respected friend, and staff member of the Nation. Her unwavering commitment to the well-being of our youth touched the lives of many far beyond our community,” the nation’s leadership said in a statement posted on social media.
Sam worked in the nation’s education department, helping with the Songhees’ after-school homework club and supervising students who took the bus to Craigflower Elementary School and Shoreline Community Middle School.
The Songhees Education Department said Sam was a fierce advocate for students and families.
“Her kindness, generosity, and genuine heart made it easy to love her and we feel grateful to have had her as a colleague and a friend,” the department said in the statement.
On Monday, flower bouquets had been placed along the marked crosswalk at Admirals and Maple Bank roads.
Sam is survived by five children. An online fundraising campaign, endorsed by the Songhees Nation, is seeking to raise $9,000 to support them. It can be found at gofundme.com/f/4uyt6q-the-sam-family.
The First Nation said the family, which has asked for space to grieve, had no comment at this time.
